A meeting between the Chairman of the Board of the IIB Nikolay Kosov and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Slovak Republic to the Russian Federation H.E. P. Priputen took place in the IIB’s headquarters on March 25, 2015.

The parties exchanged their views on the current situation with regard to the Bank’s activities in Slovakia. Amongst other issues the following specific projects were discussed: finance for industrial holding Tatravagónka under a joint project with Russian Railways to manufacture rail freight cars in Saransk; funding for «E-Mobility» project to promote green transport in Moscow with the participation of two Slovak innovation companies. The IIB also participates in the Slovak Investment Holding — fund of funds established for the support of national industry, infrastructure and SMEs sector. It is with satisfaction the parties admitted that up to date almost 20% of the Bank’s loan portfolio is composed of the loans extended to Slovakia.

Close attention was paid to the forthcoming opening of the IIB’s first European regional office in Bratislava scheduled for April. The IIB’s Chairman Nikolay Kosov expressed profound gratitude to the Government of the Slovak Republic for their recently made decision with regard to this matter. The IIB’s Chairman said, «Slovakia remains an absolute leader among the Bank’s member states in terms of its support. The decision to open the office in Bratislava became a natural and logic extension of the country’s active position».

In his turn, Mr. Priputen assured that the Slovak Government will continue supporting the steps taken by the managing team of the Bank towards further development of its activities, considering the IIB as an additional platform for promoting intergovernmental dialogue and cooperation. The Ambassador also added that «the IIB as an institution beyond politics possesses a definite advantage amidst current uncertainties. The launch of the office is one of the most important steps for the further development of cooperation between the IIB and the Slovak Republic».