Iran and Russia plan to connect banking networks in the coming months. Iranian Economy and Finance Minister Ehsan Khandouzi said this, TASNIM reported.

"Good negotiations have been held between the Iranian and the Russian Central Banks, and I hope that the connection between the banking networks, as well as the connection between the networks of (Iran's national payment system) Shetab and (the Russian) Mir bank cards will take place within the next two to three months," Khandouzi was quoted by Hamshari Online news website as saying.

He added that the unification of Iranian and Russian banking systems will simplify transactions for economic operators and tourists.