MOSCOW, February 7 (RIA Novosti) - The Russian president said Tuesday that Spain could potentially join the elite club of the world's most industrialized nations, the Group of Eight. "Spain is a country that could bid for a full membership in any international organization, including the G8," Vladimir Putin told media on the eve of an official visit to Spain.
However, he said that as Russia had joined the G8 only comparatively recently, it would be incorrect for him to make any proposals in terms of expanding the organization.
Russia is presiding over the G8 for the first time this year. Moscow is due to host a meeting of the organization's finance ministers on February 10-11, and St. Petersburg will host a summit of leaders in July.
At the same time, Putin said that Spain "directly influences the G8 decisions as a member of the European Union."
