All news

Putin leaves meeting with Russian businessmen to take call from Brazilian president

The President pointed out that Brazil was Russia’s leading trade and economic partner in Latin America

MOSCOW, May 26. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin briefly left a meeting with members of the Business Russia organization on Friday to hold a telephone conversation with his Brazilian counterpart Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

"Dear colleagues, let’s continue. I’ve just had a conversation with the Brazilian president. With his permission, I would like to convey his best wishes of success and business prosperity to all participants in today’s meeting and Russia’s business community in general," the head of state said, explaining why he had to briefly leave the Business Russia meeting.

Putin pointed out that Brazil was Russia’s leading trade and economic partner in Latin America. "Actually, our trade has slightly declined this year due to payment difficulties but in general, the potential is very good. Last year, trade reached record levels," the Russian president noted.

However, he expressed hope that the situation would improve. "The solution is simple: shifting to payment in national currencies," the Russian leader concluded.