Through this MOU, the parties aim to deepen the relationship to benefit not only the two parties involved, but also the investors as it accelerates cross border investment between Russia and Japan. The parties will explore the possibility of developing financial product markets that utilize both exchanges' highly regarded stock indices, such as ETFs. This cooperative effort may also result in the two parities organizing joint seminars, implementing training programs and exchanging human resources.

The MICEX and the TSE Group are confident that this MOU will be a cornerstone of fruitful collaboration which will give investors a better environment for investing in the borderless global economy.

''We are delighted to announce the collaboration with MICEX which is the premier exchange in Russia," said Mr. Atsushi Saito, President and CEO of the TSE Group. "Considering the remarkable changes and development in Russia, this MOU will provide an excellent opportunity to enjoy a closer relationship with Russian market. Our cooperation will vitalize not only the Russian and Japanese markets, but financial markets all over the world."

Mr. Konstantin N. Korischenko, President of MICEX said, "We are honoured to start a new stage of cooperation with TSE, one the world-leading financial institutions. Our MOU is another acknowledgement of Russia successively integrating into the global financial community. This document will allow to raise the attractiveness of Russian stock market for Japanese investors that corresponds with the goal of building sustainable foundation for the international financial center in Russia. I am confident, that the cooperation between MICEX and TSE will give an additional impulse to Russian-Japanese mutually beneficial relationship in financial sphere".