The official working team of the World Trade Organization (WTO) approved Saudi Arabia's accession in Geneva yesterday. The working team, which comprised major trading nations, approved the Kingdom's documentation and recommended that they be submitted to the WTO's General Council for approval on November 11.

WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy welcomed the move and lauded the efforts of all parties to achieve Saudi Arabia's entry into the organization.

The Kingdom's accession to the WTO will be officially announced 30 days after the General Council approves of the documents, making it all but assured that Saudi Arabia will participate in the December 13-18 WTO ministerial meeting in Hong Kong as a full member.

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