Russia appears headed for membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO) after resolving some key issues in negotiations with the United States.
A White House statement said Russia has taken "significant steps" toward WTO membership, including passing amendments to laws on the protection of intellectual property rights.
U.S. officials have for years called on Russia to improve measures to stop the piracy and counterfeiting of music, movies, and other goods in order to join the WTO.
Earlier on October 1, the Russian government said Moscow and Washington had completed negotiations over Russia's prospective WTO membership.
Officials also said the Russian and U.S. presidents, Dmitry Medvedev and Barack Obama, had discussed the issue by telephone.
Russia is the only remaining world economic power that has not yet joined the WTO, which sets the rules that regulate global trade.
Reports say Russia could officially join the WTO next year.
compiled from agency reports
A White House statement said Russia has taken "significant steps" toward WTO membership, including passing amendments to laws on the protection of intellectual property rights.
U.S. officials have for years called on Russia to improve measures to stop the piracy and counterfeiting of music, movies, and other goods in order to join the WTO.
Earlier on October 1, the Russian government said Moscow and Washington had completed negotiations over Russia's prospective WTO membership.
Officials also said the Russian and U.S. presidents, Dmitry Medvedev and Barack Obama, had discussed the issue by telephone.
Russia is the only remaining world economic power that has not yet joined the WTO, which sets the rules that regulate global trade.
Reports say Russia could officially join the WTO next year.
compiled from agency reports
