New Development Bank reviews Ethiopia's and Indonesia's applications to join organisation

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with the Head of the New Development Bank (NDB) Dilma Rousseff. The talks took place on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, according to a statement on official website of the Russian President.

It is noted that the Russian side was represented at the meeting by Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Maksim Oreshkin, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov and Governor of the Central Bank Elvira Nabiullina.

Russian President congratulated Rousseff on her re-election as President of the NDB. He noted that this demonstrates the high regard in which her work is held by all participants in the bank.

"Of course, there are issues that require special attention. I am referring to the expansion of settlement capabilities in national currencies and further joint efforts to create a digital platform for settlements and investments," he said, adding that these topics were discussed in detail at the 15th BRICS summit.

Rousseff expressed her gratitude for Russia's support for her re-election and confirmed her readiness to continue working in the chosen areas.

"For my part, I will do everything possible and make every effort to perform my duties in this position as best as I can," she said.

Rousseff stressed that the bank faces important tasks, including the development of digital platforms and the expansion of its membership. According to her, Uzbekistan and Colombia have already been accepted as new members, and applications from Ethiopia and Indonesia are under consideration.