World Bank says Russia to soon become global donor

RIA Novosti
Posted: 2007-10-18 20:14:00

WASHINGTON, October 18 (RIA Novosti) - Russia will soon change its World Bank status from that of borrower to donor, the bank's president, Robert Zoellick, said on Thursday.

Speaking at a news conference preceding this fall's session of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, Zoellick said his bank is seeking closer partnership with Russia, partly to help the country in its transition from borrower to donor.

The official said he is planning to discuss cooperation with Russian Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin, who leads the Russian delegation to the session.

Zoellick said Russia is ready to contribute to the International Development Association, a WB subsidiary set up to offer loans to the world's poorest countries, and to assist the fight against malaria in Africa.