ATHENS - Greece is willing to discuss a Russian invitation to join the BRICS Development Bank, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said here on Monday, according to national news agency AMNA.

During a telephone conversation, Tsipras thanked Russian Deputy Finance Minister Sergei Storcha for the invitation, saying it was "a pleasant surprise," AMNA reported, citing Greek government sources.

The Greek prime minister said Athens would examine the proposal and he would discuss it with BRICS country leaders during an economic forum at Saint Petersburg in Russia on June 18-20, the sources said.

Storchak put the idea on the table during a visit to Athens on the day for talks with Greek officials as representative of the new growth bank that the BRICS -- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa -- is developing, according to AMNA.

Tsipras said that by joining the new venture, Greece could have access to crucial funding for its development projects.

The invitation came late Monday as Greece was meeting with its eurozone partners in Brussels, trying to reach a deal over the remaining part of its bailout program which expires at the end of June.