Russia and Iran held a meeting during which the countries agreed to switch to settlements in national currencies and discussed the possibilities of Shetab and Mir payment cards. The negotiators note that the relevance of the topic of financial and banking relations between countries, as well as the creation of conditions for mutual settlements and payments between legal entities and organizations is a huge step forward. In addition, the countries discussed swap supplies of oil and gas, as well as increased investments for the implementation of joint oil and gas projects in the republic. According to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, cooperation between Russia and Iran in the current conditions is becoming one of the most key, including for the transit of goods from the Persian Gulf. The parties also agreed to accelerate the preparation of an agreement on a free trade zone. Currently, Russia has a free trade agreement with the CIS countries – it was signed on October 18, 2011.
