Pyongyang, September 4 (KCNA) -- Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff said Tuesday that her country can take advantage of the world economic crisis to make a development leap, local media reported.

"It is necessary to have courage to face a crisis," Rousseff said.

"Courage means being aware of our strength and having the firm determination that we have every condition to transform this crisis into another jump for Brazil."

The president said that she has fully committed herself to ensuring good education, healthcare and better quality of life for Brazilians.

Rousseff also defended the economic measures announced on Monday, in which the government raised its primary surplus target for 2011 from 117.8 billion reais (73.6 billion U.S. dollars) to 127.8 billion reais (79.9 billion U.S. dollars).

Rousseff said the decision will create the conditions Brazil needs to have a lower interest rate.

The president said a lower interest rate will help Brazil deal better with the crisis and ensure the country's development. "The best response to crisis is development," she said.