16 Jun 2009 16:55

Medvedev hopes BRIC will help find non-standard ways to resolve intl financial problems

YEKATERINBURG. June 16 (Interfax) - Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has opened the first official meeting of BRIC (an association comprising Brazil, Russia, India, and China).

"It's the first full-fledged BRIC summit. Apparently, there is a need for us in this precise format, for the four of us to meet and talk in person, not through our colleagues, foreign ministers, or other ministers," Medvedev said at the opening ceremony of the summit on Tuesday.

Medvedev said the meeting will address "the current situation in the world economy and the vital issues that exist in the international financial system."

"Such coordination will help us work better and understand each other's positions, work out new, non-standard solutions to international financial problems, and reform international financial relations," said Medvedev.

"Two of the world's most populous countries are present here. Brazil and Russia are not small, either. And the way we work out our joint proposals will largely determine our successes," said the Russian president.

Medvedev reiterated that today's summit is "the staring point for future talks."

Medvedev said he is hoping that the people of the BRIC countries will be able to find common interests.

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