Press Release No. 09/187

Press Release: IMF Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn Welcomes the Russian Federation’s Intention to Purchase the First-Ever Notes Issued by the IMF

May 27, 2009

Mr. Dominique Strauss-Kahn, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), issued the following statement today welcoming the Russian Federation's intention to invest up to US$10 billion in notes that, for the first time, would be issued by the Fund:

“I have received a communication from Prime Minister Putin informing me of the Russian Federation's intention. The Russian authorities have signaled strong support for the IMF and its mandate in line with the commitment by the G-20 leaders in London. I am very gratified by the Russian Federation’s intention to invest in IMF paper. It is our hope that other Fund members will join this effort.

”I have instructed the IMF staff to present the necessary documentation to the Fund’s Executive Board to allow issuance of notes as soon as possible.”