Russia Says Closer to WTO Membership

Posted October 5th, 2011 at 2:45 am (UTC-5)
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Russian officials say their country could become a member of the World Trade Organization by the end of the year.

Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov says because of U.S. efforts, Russia is closer to joining the WTO. He met Monday in Washington with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden for talks on the matter.

Russia has been trying to join the WTO for 18 years. It is the largest economy outside the 153-member nations.

Biden's office has issued a statement affirming U.S. support for Russia's membership bid.