DUSHANBE, October 10. /TASS/. Mutual settlements between CIS countries are almost entirely conducted in national currencies, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during his speech at a meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of State in a narrow format.

"Our countries are building a sustainable financial infrastructure that is independent of external influence. Almost all mutual settlements are now conducted in national currencies. Their share in commercial transactions between CIS members in the first half of 2025 amounted to 96%," the Russian President said.

This doesn't mean countries are abandoning the use of other payment instruments and currencies, he noted.

"It simply increases our independence and sovereignty. This is obvious, especially in the modern world. This allows us to expand trade exchanges, make mutual investments, and develop our own capital markets, regardless of the international situation," the Russian leader said.