AKIPRESS.COM - Russia and Kazakhstan intend to bring mutual payments in national currencies up to 70% over the next 1-2 years, First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov told reporters on Thursday, TASS  reports.

He was speaking after the talks held in an extended format between the heads of government of Russia and Kazakhstan, Dmitry Medvedev and Bakhytzhan Sagintayev

Siluanov also said that the trade turnover between the two countries may reach $20 bln this year.

"This indicator [settlements in national currencies] is constantly increasing between our countries. Over the past year it amounted to more than 60%. Our task is to increase this figure to 70%. There is every reason for this," he said.

"Last year, the total volume of trade turnover amounted to more than $17 bln, which is an increase of 30%. This year we see a continuation of the high rates of our economic cooperation, and according to our plans, we will be able to reach the trade turnover of about 20 billion dollars this year," he added.