MINSK, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Sberbank, Russia's largest commercial bank, was looking at expanding its presence in Belarus, chairman German Gref said here Tuesday.

After meeting with Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko, Gref said Sberbank was considering the possibility of taking part in a project to mine a potash deposit in Belarus.

"We are now working very hard developing a business plan. It is a sizeable investment in Belarus. I think if we are ready to make the decision, it will be a landmark deal for the republic," he told reporters.

Gref also confirmed the refinancing for a 1-billion-U.S.-dollar loan to Belarussian potash producer Belaruskali, saying "We will sign an agreement with Belaruskali in the future."

During his meeting with Lukashenko, Gref outlined his bank's work in Belarus. Sberbank had provided more than 11 billion dollars in resources to Belarus in the past three years, he said.

"We've now opened lines for Belarus of upwards of 6.5 billion U.S. dollars. That is the biggest position among all foreign banks," he said. Enditem

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