Saudis give Russia WTO green light

Russia has moved closer to joining the WTO after signing a protocol with Saudi Arabia on the completion of talks. Both countries have agreed to lift unacceptable restrictions, particularly on energy and pipe transport services.

Talks are also ongoing with Georgia and Ukraine, but their arguments are not related to market access.

Georgia has recently pulled out of negotiations over its trade links with breakaway republics Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Russia is the world's biggest economy yet to join the world trade body.