December 10, 2012 Official Delegation of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan headed by the President H.E. Emomali Rahmon took part in the meeting. The President of Tajikistan H.E. Emomali Rahmon spoke at the meeting of the WTO General Council and called the date of accession of the Republic of Tajikistan to the World Trade Organization in the newest history of independent Tajikistan among the important events favorable to further sustainable economic and social development of the country. The Head of State expressed interest in the enhancement of cooperation with the World Trade Organization and its member states and noted with confidence that: "Tajikistan will use its membership as an instrument of ensuring further economic development and bright future of its people”. At the end of the WTO General Council Session, the ceremony of signing of the Protocol on accession of the Republic of Tajikistan to the World Trade Organization by the President of Tajikistan H.E. Emomali Rahmon and WTO Director General Mr. Pascal Lamy has been held. Tajikistan applied for WTO membership on 29 May 2001 and the Working Party concluded the negotiations on 26 October 2012. Once Tajikistan completes its domestic ratification procedures by the 7 June 2013, it will become the 159th WTO member 30 days after the ratification.