MOSCOW, June 22 (RIA Novosti) - Russia will give Moldova a $500 million loan, and the first tranche worth $150 million will be transferred to the republic in the near future, the Russian prime minister said on Monday.

"We have considered your request regarding the granting to Moldova of a government loan worth $0.5 billion. We believe it's possible," Vladimir Putin told Moldovan President Vladimir Voronin.

The Russian premier said amendments to the Russian budget and parliamentary approval were required before the loan could go ahead.

"We are ready to do so. The first tranche could reach Moldova within the next six weeks or two months," Putin said.

Voronin pledged to spend the loan on investment programs in Moldova. He also said his country could repay the debt.

"I guarantee that we will cope with the loan," the Moldovan president said.