BRATISLAVA, Feb 24: The United States and Russia agreed on Thursday to enhance nuclear security cooperation and to try to complete negotiations on Russia's entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO) this year.

In a joint statement issued by Presidents George Bush and Vladimir Putin, the two leaders said that the goal of the agreement was to "counter the evolving terrorist threats".

On the World Trade Organization, the two leaders said they had instructed their trade ministers to accelerate bilateral negotiations to complete talks on Russia's entry into the WTO this year.

"We will work to identify areas for progress in our bilateral negotiations that will give momentum to Russia's accession to the WTO and to Russia's economic reform program," they said. They vowed to work together on international measures to protect nuclear material and to share information on how to best improve security at nuclear facilities.

"Building on our earlier work, we announce today our intention to expand and deepen cooperation on nuclear security with the goal of enhancing the security of nuclear facilities in our two countries and, together with our friends and allies, around the globe," they added.

They also will continue to work jointly to develop low-enriched uranium fuel for use in any US- and Russian-designed research reactors in third countries now using high-enriched uranium fuel.

"Recognizing that the terrorist threat is both long-term and constantly evolving, in 2008 our countries will assess the joint projects and identify avenues for future cooperation consistent with our increased attention to the security culture in both countries," they said. -Reuters