The United States and Saudi Arabia are on the verge of signing an agreement paving the way for the world's largest oil producer and leading Opec member to join the World Trade Organisation, US Trade Representative Rob Portman said on Thursday.
"I believe we are now prepared to sign that agreement," Portman told reporters after a meeting with lawmakers.
The Bush administration also is mulling launching free trade talks with Egypt, South Korea, Malaysia and Switzerland as part of its strategy of opening markets and keeping pressure on world trade talks, he said.