Russia and the US have expressed satisfaction with their relations this year and a hope for closer cooperation next year. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov and US Deputy National Security Advisor, Ben Rhodes made the joint statement in an interview with Russian news agency ITAR –TASS. Ryabkov said bilateral partnership has been lifted to a new height, which benefits the entire world. Meanwhile, Rhodes said that the key achievement in US-Russia relations this year was concluding negotiations for Russia to enter of the World Trade Organization. The two men agreed that on the importance of bilateral relations next year, when both Russia and the US will hold presidential elections.