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Attempts to politicize WTO activity threaten global development prospects — minister

The WTO is currently holding the 13th Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI, February 26. /TASS/. Attempts to politicize the activity of the World Trade Organization (WTO) jeopardize global welfare and development prospects, Russian Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov said in his video address to participants in the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference.

"WTO is being poisoned by sustained attempts of certain members to politicize the activity of its working authorities. They circumvent WTO rules, being involved in protectionism and giving preference to one-side actions," Reshetnikov said. "Such behavior undermines global welfare and development prospects. It prevents us from advancing in so much needed WTO reform," he noted.

The WTO is currently holding the 13th Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi. This is the supreme management authority of the Organization. Such forums are normally held once in two years.

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