The WTO announced that on 26 June 2014, Yemen became the 160th WTO member, closing the 13-year long chapter of negotiating its accessions terms with WTO member countries. On 27 May 2014, Yemen deposited the “Instrument of Acceptance” with Director-General Roberto Azevêdo confirming its membership terms, and activated the 30-day countdown to its WTO membership which became effective on 26 June 2014.