By Ria Novosti. Washington, United States, 07:31 PM IST

Washington, Feb 3 (RIA Novosti) The US president has confirmed that his country will support Russia's bid to join the World Trade Organization, Russian foreign minister Sergei has Lavrov.

George W. Bush 'pledged to direct his negotiators in Geneva to help bring about an effective result as soon as possible,' Lavrov told reporters Friday after a meeting with Bush here.

The minister also said Bush was optimistic over the development of energy dialogue with Russia, and believes that 'prospects for advancing energy dialogue with Russia are good.'

The economics ministry expects to complete multilateral talks on the country's admission to the global trade body by the middle of 2007.

By Ria Novosti (Staff Writer, © IANS)