2009 Events
USTR Ronald Kirk Addresses Russia's Entry into WTO at St. Petersburg’s International Economic Forum
At a press conference on June 4, U.S. Trade Representative Ronald Kirk discussed his productive meetings with Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov and Minister of Economic Development & Trade Elvira Nabiullina in connection with St. Petersburg’s International Economic Forum. U.S. Ambassador to Russia John Beyrle also took part in the press conference and answered questions regarding Russian-American economic ties. Ambassador Kirk stated that Russia should be able to enter the WTO soon, but must work to bring its trade policy into line with international standards, citing a recent embargo on U.S. pork products because of H1N1 virus fears as an example of an opaque trade policy. Despite this and other issues – such as the need for Russia to take additional measures in order to protect intellectual property, Ambassador Kirk stated that it is in America's interest to encourage bilateral trade relations and to see Russia join the WTO as soon as possible. This press conference at St. Petersburg’s high-profile International Economic Forum received heavy media coverage from both Russian and international news outlets, thanks to the participation of several high-level officials from both countries. The press conference demonstrated Russia and the United States’ desire to work together in order to help secure Russia's entry into the WTO while strengthening bilateral economic ties.