TOKYO, April 22 (UPI) -- Japan said it will support Russia's membership to the World Trade Organization this year, EU Business reported Friday.
"Japan expresses its support for Russia to join the WTO by the end of this year," Japanese Foreign Minister Nobutaka Machimura told reporters, after signing a memorandum of understanding.
"We have asked Russia to resolve the various troubles that Japanese companies are facing in a fair and transparent manner."
Machimura said that Japan host to the world's second largest economy had resolved doubts over Russia's membership, after talks with Russian Industry and Energy Minister Viktor Khristenko. Talks between the two parties focused on the contested Siberian oil pipeline project, which has caused a rift between China and Japan.
Russia applied to join the WTO a decade ago, but has been seeking the OK from individual trading partners. Both the United States and European Union have given approval. President Vladimir Putin has made joining the WTO a major goal.
