MOSCOW, February 11 (RIA Novosti) - The United States is interested in finalizing negotiations with Russia on its admission to the World Trade Organization as soon as possible, the U.S. secretary of the Treasury said at a meeting with the Russian president Saturday.
At the meeting with Vladimir Putin, John Snow said the United States would like to see a final document signed as soon as possible.
He said just a few issues were left to be resolved, particularly the question of opening up Russia's financial markets.
He said the sides had discussed the issue in depth, narrowing the gap in their positions, and were now close to a solution.
At the meeting, Putin expressed his hope that the WTO negotiations would be concluded soon.
This would further boost trade and economic relations, particularly in the investment sphere, he said.
The president said Russia's trade and economic contacts had been growing at a fast pace, by around 40% a year.
"On the whole, we are pleased with the dynamics of Russian-U.S. relations, and agree with our U.S. colleagues with regard to the strategic nature of our relations," he said.
