Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 13 November (BelTA) - Belarus is interested in reviving negotiations to launch operations of a Turkish bank in the country, Chairman of the Council of the Republic Mikhail Myasnikovich said as he met with Speaker of the Grand National Assembly Binali Yildirim of Turkey in Minsk on 13 November, BelTA has learned.

Mikhail Myasnikovich believes that the countries can significantly strengthen cooperation in the banking sector, namely improve the payment systems and facilitate the establishment of a Turkish bank in Belarus. Some steps have already been taken. “We would like the process to gain more traction,” Mikhail Myasnikovich said and offered assistance in organizing another round of negotiations.

For his part, Binali Yildirim urged to use national currencies in mutual settlements. Turkish Ziraat Bank shows interest in Moscow-Minsk Bank. “I know that great progress has been made. Evaluation work continues. I hope that we will reach a positive result,” he said.

The Moscow-Minsk Bank is a significant player in the banking market of Belarus from the point of view of corporate business services. The Bank has more than 10,000 corporate clients. It is also among the top three participants in the currency and stock exchange. The shareholders of the Bank are the National Bank of Belarus (over 99%) and OAO Paritetbank.