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USA believes talks on Russia WTO bid are in final phase – Ron Kirk

U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk confirmed that after meeting with Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov in Washington

WASHINGTON, October 4 (Itar-Tass) — The United States proceeds from the fact that negotiations on Russia’s WTO entry are in their final stage and may be completed already this year, U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk confirmed after meeting with Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov in Washington on Monday.

According to his press service, the talks focused on a range of issues, but with a focus on talks on Russia’s entry in the World Trade Organisation, which have entered a final phase.

Ron Kirk expressed confidence that the remaining issues, including satisfactory resolution of bilateral discussions between Russia and Georgia, would be settled in a constructive manner, enabling Russia to conclude the WTO negotiations by the end of the year, the document said.

"I was pleased to welcome Minister Shuvalov to Washington today,” the document quoted Kirk as saying. “We had a very productive conversation about Russia’s bid to join the World Trade Organization. Russia has made great progress on its accession bid. I look forward to continuing to work with Minister Shuvalov and others in Russia as the process moves towards its successful conclusion," he said.

The USA encourages the successful conclusion of ongoing talks between Russia and Georgia with respect to Russia’s WTO accession, Vice President Joseph Biden told Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov at their meeting in Washington on Monday, vice president’s press service reported.

It said the two officials had “discussed United States-Russian relations and Russia’s accession to the World Trade Organisation”. “They agreed on the importance of continuing to strengthen our bilateral relations in a way that promotes the security and prosperity of both countries,” it added.

The vice president “affirmed U.S. support for Russia’s accession to the WTO” and marked “Russia’s significant progress in the accession progress”.

“In this regard, the Vice President encouraged the successful conclusion of ongoing talks between Russia and Georgia with respect to Russia’s WTO accession,” the press service said.

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