The coexistence of the two world economic systems, the socialist and the capitalist, developing under different laws and in opposite directions, determines the simultaneous existence of two parallel world markets as well, the socialist and the capitalist, also developing on totally different foundations. Currency and payments relations among the socialist countries follow from the commercial and other economic relations in the world socialist market, relations which differ in principle from those in the world capitalist market. Economic relations among the countries of the SOcialist camp reflect their mutual assistance and cooperation, and are characterized by genuine equality of these countries and mutual respect for national independence and sovereignty.