Russian Economic Development Ministry: Wto Leadership Willing To Facilitate Russia's Membership

On Monday, Maxim Medvedkov, the deputy head of the Russian Economic Development and Trade Ministry and the head of the Russian delegation, met with Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Mike Moore in Geneva. The meeting was held within the framework of a new round of negotiations on Russia's membership in the WTO. At the end of the meeting, Mr. Medvedkov pointed out "the evident willingness" of the WTO leadership and personally Mike Moore to facilitate the process of Russia's joining the organisation. In his turn, the WTO director general believes that Russia will be able to participate in the next regular ministerial conference of the WTO as a full-fledged member. The conference is scheduled for 2003. At the same time, Mr. Moore stressed that both sides will have to work hard to make this happen. On Monday afternoon, an unofficial meeting of the working group, comprising about 50 WTO member-states, will be held in Geneva. The meeting will concentrate on finalising the date of the official meeting to discuss issues related to Russia's membership in the international trade community.