Official website of the President of Russia

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U.S. PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH (translated from Russian): Today I am very happy to say that after very long period of negotiations Minister Gref and Ambassador Schwab have signed the agreements. These agreements are very good for Russia as well as for the United States. So, we support Russia’s accession to the World Trade Organization. I would like to congratulate you, thank you for all your work and all your efforts. I believe that this agreement is a step forward for both the United States and Russia. It is also a positive factor for the entire global trade and business community. Thank you very much, Vladimir, for all your efforts because the dialog that has taken place between us was very important. In particular, we talked on many other issues, on how to resolve issues that our countries and the whole world community have to face — the issues of North Korea and Iran. Thank you for investing so much of your time and effort in that.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: On my part, I would say that the work has been complicated and protracted. We worked very hard for five years to complete the protocol on Russia’s accession to the World Trade Organization. Today this work has finished successfully. I would like to highlight that it would not have been possible if both Russian and American experts had not demonstrated goodwill, professionalism, and businesslike — in the best sense of this word — approach to the negotiations. And, of course, it would not have been possible without political will on the part of the U.S. President. I agree with you, George, that we have created a good background for further relations between us in all areas, including our joint efforts to address major international challenges. This sets the stage for stronger trade and economic ties between partners in the United States and Russia, and on a broader international basis.