The Russian Federation could join the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2011 or 2012, Deputy Head of the E.U. Delegation to Russia Michael Webb said.

All parties to the dialogue on Russia’s accession to the WTO share the view that Russia is absolutely entitled to become a new member of the organization and are working on the technical aspect of the agreement on Russia, Webb said.

Russia’s membership in the WTO would be beneficial to both Russia and the European Union, he said.

As for prospects for the introduction of visa-free travel between Russia and the E.U. members, Webb said the European countries as well as Russia understand the need for such an agreement, but some E.U. states are worried about possible consequences of this step.

Therefore, the parties have agreed first to make it easier for Russian citizens to obtain visas, he said.

If visas could have been repealed by now, this would have already been done, he said.