    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book I)]
    [February 24, 2005]
    [Pages 318-319]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Joint Statement by President George W. Bush and President Vladimir V.
    Putin: Russia's Accession to the World Trade
    Organization
    February 24, 2005

        The United States and Russia are committed to working together to
    complete our bilateral negotiations for Russia's accession to the World
    Trade Organization (WTO) in 2005. The results of the negotiations will
    enhance commercial opportunities between our two countries, support
    economic reforms that Russia has made a priority, and further integrate
    Russia into the world economy. Our trade ministers have made progress in
    pursuing our bilateral negotiations, and we have instructed them to
    accelerate these efforts.
        Russia and the United States will
    continue to work closely in bilateral and multilateral negotiations to
    resolve remaining issues in ways that benefit both countries. The rules-
    based system of the WTO will further strengthen our economic
    relationship in all areas, including agriculture,

    [[Page 319]]

    manufacturing, services, and the improved protection and enforcement of
    intellectual property rights.
        We will work to identify areas for progress in our bilateral
    negotiations that will give momentum to Russia's accession to the WTO
    and to Russia's economic reform program.

     Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this joint statement.