CBI Chief: Iran, Russia Eye Using Own Currencies in Trade


TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Governor of the Central Bank of Iran said one of the main themes in cooperation with Russia is handling the bilateral trade in the two countries’ own currencies.

In a social network post, Abdolnaser Hemmati said he and his Russian counterpart Elvira Sakhipzadovna Nabiullina have agreed in a recent meeting to enhance banking cooperation between the two countries within the framework of a roadmap endorsed by Tehran and Moscow.

Pointing to the “constructive talks” he had during the first meeting between heads of the central banks of Iran and Russia in recent years, Hemmati said it was a promising beginning for the expansion of monetary and commercial partnership.

Russia is clearly resolved to boost economic ties with Iran, he said, adding that one of the central themes on the agenda is Iran-Russia trade interaction in their own currencies.

Iran and Russia, both faced with US sanctions, have devised plans to increase trade interaction and ease mercantile regulations.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has described Tehran and Moscow as “strategic partners”.

In June, Rouhani and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in a meeting in China highlighted the need to maintain and promote economic relations between the two sides.