Russia agrees deal with Georgia over WTO entry

Russian diplomats have agreed a Swiss-brokered deal with Georgia that will allow Russia to join the World Trade Organization after nearly two decades of trying.

Georgia, already a WTO member, has opposed Moscow’s joining for the past three years.

A terroritial dispute with its larger, northern neighbour led to an armed conflict in 2008.

Georgia is the last member to approve Russia’s bid to join the WTO after the European Union backed it last month.

Membership could boost Russia’s 1.1-trillion-euro economy by more than 3 percent, according to the World Bank.

Trade ministers are expected to approve the move in December.

Russia will be subject to international rules upon joining the WTO, which is the guardian of global trade.

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