European and American representatives say Russia is expected to end WTO accession negotiations

June 4 (reporter Zhao Jialin) The European Commission Trade Commissioner Ashton and U.S. Trade Representative Kirk 4th at the opening of the 13th session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, said that the negotiations on Russia's accession to the World Trade Organization is expected to end at the end of this year. Ashton and Russia's economic development Minister Nabiulina after a meeting said Russia may join the World Trade Organization by the end of 2009.　　Ashton on the same day after meeting with Russia's first deputy Prime minister Shuvalov said that Russia's accession to the WTO will be of great significance.　　Speaking at a Russian-American business dialogue in the framework of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Kirk said negotiations on Russia's accession to the WTO had made great strides, and negotiations could end at the end of this year. Russia is currently one of the few major economies in the world that has yet to join the WTO. Negotiations on Russia's accession to the WTO have lasted more than 15 years.