U.S. Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) met with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in Moscow on Monday to promote Montana beef and other exports ahead of Russia's anticipated accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Baucus also met with Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov, Minister of Trade Elvira Nabiullina, and U.S. Ambassador to Russia Dr. Michael McFaul. McFaul is a Montana native, born in Glasgow and a graduate of Bozeman High School.

Baucus heads the Senate Committee that oversees trade and is leading efforts in Congress to ensure American businesses can reap the benefits of Russia's accession to the WTO.

"We in Montana, we are the kind of people that look people straight in the eye, and a deal's a deal. We know the meaning of work. That is something I want to get across to the people of Russia in meeting with the top leadership, and meeting with Russian businessmen. You gotta go out and look for opportunities. I am going to do the very best I can to go find more opportunities for Montana," Baucus said.

Russia is currently the fifth largest importer of American beef.