In Belarus, the volume of bank guarantees increased by 18.8 percent in 2025, according to the Central Bank.

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Minsk, March 26 (Xinhua) — The total volume of bank guarantees in Belarus increased by 18.8 percent in 2025, according to the press service of the National Bank (Central Bank) of Belarus on Thursday.

In 2025, 20 Belarusian banks conducted 5,555 documentary transactions involving guarantees, letters of credit, and collections totaling 6.3 billion Belarusian rubles (approximately $2.14 billion equivalent). The majority of transactions (54.3 percent) were conducted in Belarusian rubles. Export/import settlements were primarily conducted in the Russian ruble and yuan.

The number of documentary transactions last year decreased by 10 percent compared to the previous year, due to a decline in the number of transactions involving bank guarantees. At the same time, the overall volume of documentary transactions increased, with the average transaction amounting to 1.1 million Belarusian rubles, a 10 percent increase compared to the previous year.

In 2025, 19 Belarusian banks issued and accepted 4,086 bank guarantees, a 15.4 percent decrease compared to the previous year. However, their total value increased by 18.8 percent, reaching the equivalent of 3.8 billion Belarusian rubles. Electronic bank guarantees accounted for 54 percent of the total number of issued guarantees.

The number of transactions with letters of credit carried out by 14 Belarusian banks in 2025 increased by 11 percent compared to the previous year, reaching 1,398. However, their total volume decreased by 21 percent, to the equivalent of 2.2 billion Belarusian rubles.

Last year, the number of collection transactions handled by the two banks decreased, accounting for 1.3 percent of total documentary transactions. A total of 71 transactions were completed, totaling 225 million Belarusian rubles, all of which were export transactions. Traditionally, Belarus' counterparties in collection transactions have been Asian and African countries. Collection settlements were primarily conducted in yuan (86 percent).

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The international community should encourage the US and Iran to return to the negotiating table to achieve a political settlement, according to China's Foreign Minister.

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, March 26 (Xinhua) — Both the United States and Iran have expressed a willingness to resume negotiations, and the international community should encourage both sides to return to the negotiating table to find effective paths to a political settlement of the conflict, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday.

China and Canada can jointly play a constructive role in this regard, emphasized Wang Yi, also a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, during a telephone conversation with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand. The conversation took place at the initiative of the Canadian side.

A. Anand briefed Wang Yi on Canada's position on the situation in the Middle East, noting that her country seeks to protect civilians affected by the conflict, contribute to de-escalation, prevent the spread of the conflict, and reduce its impact on the global economy and supply chains.

According to the head of the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Iranian nuclear issue concerns the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, and ensuring the safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is in the common interests of all parties.

Canada is ready to work with China to promote a peaceful resolution and end the conflict, and to contribute to achieving peace and stability in the region, A. Anand added.

Wang Yi, for his part, outlined the Chinese side's principled position, stating that the Iranian nuclear issue must be resolved through dialogue and cannot serve as a justification for the use of force.

The abuse of military force will only lead to serious negative consequences, and the expansion of the combat zone poses a threat to the security and stability of the entire region, the head of the Chinese Foreign Ministry emphasized.

The two sides also exchanged views on China-Canada relations and unanimously noted that the results of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to China should be actively and pragmatically implemented, dialogue at all levels should be resumed, and mutually beneficial cooperation should be expanded to promote the stable and healthy development of the new-type China-Canada strategic partnership.

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PhosAgro won the National Award "Leaders of Responsible Business" for the third time in a row on March 26, 2026.

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Source: Phosagro – Phosagro – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Moscow, March 26, 2026. During the XXXV Congress of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP), whose plenary session was attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin, PhosAgro Group was awarded for its third consecutive victory in the National Award "Leaders of Responsible Business."

"The RSPP regularly summarizes the results of the national award, 'Leaders of Responsible Business.' I know that the number of its laureates is growing, which means the desire to improve lives not only within their enterprises but also around them is becoming increasingly common in business practice. I congratulate the award winners and note that there should be more initiatives that bring real benefits to people," Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized during the Congress's plenary session.

The National Award was established by order of Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2023. Its main goal is to support responsible business practices and recognize companies' contributions to social development: the creation of a favorable social and natural environment, sustainable territorial development, and a stronger country.

The Award Organizing Committee was headed by Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Maxim Oreshkin, Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova, and President of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Alexander Shokhin. Applications were received from 101 companies.

When reviewing applications, both the overall indicators of a comprehensive company assessment, as recorded in authoritative Russian indices and sustainable development ratings, and the companies' contribution to solving socially significant problems, as exemplified by corporate programs in key areas of strategic development, were taken into account.

RSPP President Alexander Shokhin: "PhosAgro's third consecutive victory in the National Responsible Business Leaders Award confirms that social responsibility and the desire to make a significant contribution to achieving national development goals have become an integral part of the company's operations.

We see a clear example of systematic work, where high standards in environmental safety and social investment are maintained and consistently improved over many years.”

PhosAgro CEO Alexander Gilgenberg: "For 25 years now—since PhosAgro's founding in 2001—caring for our workforce and all residents of the regions where we operate has been our absolute priority. It is on this foundation that we set new production records every year, build new capacity, develop innovations, and increase tax revenues. Over the past five years, PhosAgro has allocated 60 billion rubles to social and charitable projects, including a record 14 billion rubles in 2024 and 2025.

We support the government's extensive efforts to cultivate physically and mentally healthy youth, create a comfortable urban environment, and train professional personnel. The goal of this new ambitious project by PhosAgro, Murmansk Arctic University (MAU), and regional authorities is to create a nationally leading higher education school for mining engineers in the Arctic city of Apatity. The company will invest 3 billion rubles in the project over three years. As early as the new academic year, future mining engineers will have access to a unique underground training facility. This three-kilometer facility offers modern mining infrastructure where students can hone their skills through hands-on practice.

In September, the number of places for full-time study in mining and chemical specialties will almost double. The faculty will be reinforced by staff from the Kola Science Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, where PhosAgro funded the creation of a modern research center that has become a magnet for young scientists from across the country. The educational infrastructure of the MAU branch in Apatity will also be expanded. Of the 12 new laboratories to be created, six have already opened their doors to students. Next year, a new dormitory with comfortable student accommodation and recreational facilities will be built.

Our third consecutive victory in the National Award "Leaders of Responsible Business" serves as the most authoritative confirmation of the effectiveness of our social projects. On behalf of PhosAgro's management, I thank the Award Organizing Committee for this great honor!

PhosAgro's programs were among the best in two categories of the National Award:

PhosAgro's corporate housing program won the award for "Contribution to the Development of Responsible Investment and Financing of Sustainable Development Projects."

Implementing a corporate housing program is a priority for the company's social policy. As part of the program, PhosAgro not only helps employees purchase apartments on the existing market and from third-party developers but also undertakes to build residential buildings, particularly in regions where new housing is in short supply. Between 2014 and 2024, the company built six buildings (approximately 700 apartments) in Cherepovets, Balakovo, Kirovsk, and Volkhov. In Cherepovets, a new building with 72 apartments was completed in 2025. When constructing its own buildings, the Company uses the most advanced technologies and ensures that employees receive apartments with convenient layouts and turnkey renovations, as well as develops the surrounding areas (building playgrounds, recreation and sports areas, convenient parking, and sidewalks). Since the program's inception, approximately 3,200 employees have improved their housing conditions with PhosAgro's assistance. The program's implementation serves as an important support measure for young families, helps attract and retain highly qualified personnel, and develops the urban environment in PhosAgro's regions of operation.

– In the category "For Contribution to the Achievement of National Goals and Objectives Aimed at Developing Human Potential," the winners included the program for developing professional education and training within the framework of PhosAgro's "School—College/University—Enterprise" educational model.

PhosAgro systematically allocates funds for the technical equipment of leading specialized secondary vocational schools in the regions where it operates (Cherepovets Chemical Engineering College; the Murmansk Arctic University branch in Kirovsk; Volkhov Multidisciplinary Technical School; and the Volga Region College of Technology and Management in Balakovo) and participates in adapting their educational programs to the needs of modern production.

The sponsored colleges implement a dual education model, with up to 70% of students' practical training conducted at the company's facilities, and approximately 500 students annually completing internships at PhosAgro production facilities. Fifty percent of graduates in mining and chemistry from the sponsored colleges are hired by the company each year.

PhosAgro's educational model received high praise from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who, during a visit to the Cherepovets Chemical Engineering College, sponsored by PhosAgro, called it "a new, interesting, promising, and flexible system." The experience of training highly qualified engineering and blue-collar workers within PhosAgro's educational model was recommended by the Federation Council for replication by the Russian Government in the development of the federal "Professionalism" project. The company has employed over 4,000 graduates of the corporate educational model.

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During the RSPP congress, Alexander Shokhin presented Alexander Gilgenberg with a congratulatory address on the occasion of PhosAgro's 25th anniversary on March 26, 2026.

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Source: Phosagro – Phosagro – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Moscow. March 26, 2026. During the XXXV Congress of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP), whose plenary session was attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin, RSPP President Alexander Shokhin presented PhosAgro CEO Alexander Gilgenberg with a congratulatory address on the occasion of the company's 25th anniversary.

President of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Alexander Shokhin:

“I congratulate the PhosAgro team on its 25th anniversary!

PhosAgro's history is one of growth and success. These years have been marked by many remarkable events and accomplishments. For a quarter of a century, the company has demonstrated robust growth, consistently increasing production, and making a significant contribution to the country's food security. Such impressive achievements are the result of the coordinated, highly professional work of its thousands-strong team and sound management decisions. During this time, you have implemented numerous important investment projects and earned the right to be considered an industry leader, setting the highest corporate standards.

PhosAgro has won the National "Leaders of Responsible Business" award three times with the highest final score. It is the only company to have won the Grand Prix of the RSPP All-Russian Competition "Business Flagships: Dynamics, Responsibility, Sustainability" four times. As part of its social responsibility policy, you implement a wide range of environmental and charitable programs aimed at supporting education, sports, healthcare, and youth in the regions where you operate.

I wish the united team of chemists and miners from Cherepovets, Kirovsk, Volkhov, and Balakovo new great goals and achievements, prosperity, and optimism!

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Financial news: For theatre arts workers (March 26, 2026).

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Source: Central Bank of Russia

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On March 27, 2026, the Bank of Russia will issue a commemorative silver coin of 3 rubles “150th Anniversary of the Union of Theatre Workers of the Russian Federation” from the “Historical Events” series (catalog no. 5111-0534).

A silver coin with a denomination of 3 rubles (pure precious metal weight – 31.1 g, alloy fineness – 925) has a round shape with a diameter of 39.0 mm.

There is a raised edge around the circumference of both the front and back sides of the coin.

The obverse of the coin features a relief image of the State Emblem of the Russian Federation, along with the inscriptions: "RUSSIAN FEDERATION", "BANK OF RUSSIA", the coin denomination "3 RUBLES", the year of issue "2026", the metal designation according to D.I. Mendeleyev's Periodic Table of Elements, the alloy fineness, the trademark of the St. Petersburg Mint, and the pure weight of the precious metal.

The reverse side of the coin features a relief image of the building of the Union of Theatre Workers of the Russian Federation and a stylized image of a theater curtain, created using laser matting. At the top and around the circumference are the relief inscriptions: "STD," "150," and "UNION OF THEATRE WORKERS OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION."

The side surface of the coin is corrugated.

The coin is made in proof quality.

The mintage of the coin is 3.0 thousand pieces.

The issued coins are legal tender in the Russian Federation and are required to be accepted at face value for all types of payments without restrictions.

When using the material, a link to the Press Service of the Bank of Russia is required.

March 26, 2026

15:30:00

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Financial News: IPO and SPO Market in 2025: Trends and Results.

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Source: Central Bank of Russia

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The volume of public stock offerings in 2025 increased from 102.1 billion to 125.2 billion rubles. The number of issuers decreased from 19 to 9, of which only 4 companies entered the equity capital market for the first time. The main players were issuers from the financial sector.

The lion's share of initial public offerings (IPOs) and secondary public offerings (SPOs) was accounted for by two large companies with market capitalizations estimated between 300 billion and 400 billion rubles. For the first time in over 15 years, a major IPO of a company with state participation took place. Previously, small-cap (up to 30 billion rubles) and mid-cap (from 30 billion to 100 billion rubles) companies from the IT, digital technology, and pharmaceutical industries predominated.

Institutional investors increased their equity investments slightly, rising their share of total purchases from 48% to 52%. Management companies demonstrated the greatest activity. The number of retail investors, on the other hand, decreased by 4.5 times compared to the previous year. However, their average transaction size increased 3.3 times, exceeding 300,000 rubles. Qualified investors accounted for the majority of demand, accounting for 97% of all retail purchases.

As in 2024, citizens more often pursued a short-term investment strategy. They sold shares more frequently within the first 30 days after an initial public offering.

Read more in the review Public Offerings and Share Offerings: 2025 Results.

Preview photo: Jakub Zerdzicki / Shutterstock / Fotodom

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Financial news: 03/26/2026, 14:54 the values of the lower limit of the repo price corridor, the carry rate and the range of interest rate risk assessment for the GOLD security (GOLD ETF) were changed.

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Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

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March 26, 2026

14:54

In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and the deposit market of PJSC Moscow Exchange by the National Credit Center (JSC) on March 26, 2026, 14:54 (Moscow time), the values of the lower limit of the repo price corridor with the settlement code Y0/Y1Dt (up to -10.0%), the transfer rate and the range of interest rate risk assessment (up to 0.0 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 47.59%) of the GOLD security (GOLD ETF) were changed.

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Breaking: N. Maduro appears in court for the second time in New York

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

NEW YORK, March 26 (Xinhua) — Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro appeared in a New York court on Thursday morning, making his second appearance since he was forcibly captured by U.S. forces during a military operation in Caracas in early January.

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An industrial zone in the Kirishi district of Russia's Leningrad region was attacked by a drone.

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

St. Petersburg, March 26 (Xinhua) — On Thursday night, an industrial zone in the Kirishi District of Russia's Leningrad Region was attacked by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The region's governor, Alexander Drozdenko, reported this on his Max channel on Thursday.

The report notes that this is the third major drone attack on the Leningrad Region since the beginning of the week. During the attack, 21 UAVs were destroyed over the region. Damage was reported in the industrial zone, and regional authorities reported that the fire in the damaged area was contained.

The Kirishi District is located in the south of the Leningrad Region. It is home to one of Russia's largest oil refineries, Kirishinefteorgsintez.

This week, three drone attacks have already been carried out in the Leningrad Region. On the night of March 23, more than 70 drones were destroyed in the region, and a fuel tank caught fire in the port of Primorsk. By the morning of March 25, 61 drones had been shot down, and a fire broke out in the port of Ust-Luga.

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The Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee met with the Advisor to the President of Uzbekistan on Strategic Development

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Beijing, March 26 (Xinhua) — Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Wang Huning met with Sardor Umurzakov, adviser to the President of Uzbekistan on strategic development, on Thursday.

Wang Huning, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, stated that China intends to work with Uzbekistan to implement the agreements reached by the heads of state and resolutely support each other in moving along the path of modernization.

As Wang Huning indicated, China is ready to work with Uzbekistan to strengthen the alignment of the two countries' development strategies, establish closer inter-party contacts, and jointly safeguard peace and stability in the region and the world. He added that the CPPCC National Committee expects to contribute to this.

S. Umurzakov, for his part, emphasized that Uzbekistan firmly adheres to the one-China principle and supports the major initiatives put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The Uzbek leader's adviser also noted that the implementation of China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) opens up new opportunities for bilateral cooperation. He stated that Uzbekistan is ready to learn from the experience of the Communist Party of China, whose leadership is the key to China's success.

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