Russia and Venezuela finish WTO talks

Russia and Venezuela have signed a protocol to confirm completion of bilateral talks on access to the markets of goods and services within the bounds of the process of Russia's admission to the World Trade Organization (WTO). The protocol was signed after a meeting of the Presidents of Russia and Venezuela, Vladimir Putin and Hugo Chavez, the Echo of Moscow radio station reported. The two countries also issued a joint declaration on bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, including exploration, production, transportation, processing, storage, sale and use of energy resources. Additionally, Russia and Venezuela signed an agreement on fighting legalization of criminal incomes.