Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Dilma Rousseff, President of the New Development Bank (NDB) BRICS, during the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). The discussion, as reported by the Kremlin press service, focused on expanding the membership of the financial organization.
"A very important issue I would like to address is the expansion of member countries in the international development bank, as well as the inclusion of new partner members. Two countries, Uzbekistan and Colombia, have already been selected as new members. Meanwhile, Ethiopia and Indonesia are in the process of consideration," Rousseff stated.
The parties also talked about enhancing the ability to conduct transactions in national currencies and jointly advancing the creation of a digital platform for payments and investments. Putin commended Rousseff for her leadership at the NDB.
"I want to congratulate you on your reappointment as head of the New Development Bank. This reflects the high regard in which all member countries hold your work. Indeed, in recent times, the NDB has approved and financed approximately 120 projects totaling $39 billion," the Russian leader noted.
Previously, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister and BRICS Sherpa Sergey Ryabkov mentioned that during SPIEF, Russia would discuss project implementations in the country with Rousseff against the backdrop of potential secondary sanctions.
SPIEF is taking place in Saint Petersburg from June 18 to 21, and its main theme is "Common Values as the Foundation for Growth in a Multipolar World."
Alina Makeeva
