MOSCOW, July 24 (Xinhua) -- More than 90 percent of the bilateral settlements between Russia and Belarus are now conducted in their own national currencies, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said on Thursday.
He made the remarks while meeting with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Turchin in the Russian city of Gorno-Altaysk, according to a release on the Russian government website.
Mishustin said this significant shift reflects the deepening economic cooperation between the two countries and their efforts to reduce reliance on foreign currencies.
Mishustin said the increased use of the Russian ruble and Belarusian ruble in bilateral trade enhances financial stability and strengthens economic ties between the two countries. The move aligns with broader strategies aimed at fostering regional integration and economic sovereignty, he added.
He further said that this development marks a milestone in Russia-Belarus relations, bringing smoother transactions and reducing currency exchange risks for businesses engaged in cross-border trade.
During the meeting, Turchin remarked on the fruitful and intensified engagements between his country and Russia at all levels, particularly the increasing cooperation in the sectors of industry and agriculture, a Belarusian Telegraph Agency report said. ■
