Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated by telephone Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani on the start of the World Cup on November 20. This was reported by the Kremlin press service on Friday.
"Vladimir Putin congratulated the emir of Qatar on the start of the FIFA World Cup in his country on November 20 and wished the Qatari national team a successful performance," the Russian leader's press service said in a statement.
In his turn, the emir of Qatar thanked the president of Russia for the experience in holding the World Cup that Russia shared. "Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani thanked for the fact that the Russian side actively shared its experience in hosting the football championship," the Kremlin specified.
The leaders of Russia and Qatar confirmed that the two countries are interested in closer coordination in the energy sector, including to ensure stability in the gas market.
"They discussed topical issues of bilateral trade and economic cooperation, including further implementation of joint projects in the investment and infrastructure fields. The mutual interest in continuing close coordination in the energy sector, including to ensure the necessary balance and stability in the global gas market, was confirmed," the statement said.
Putin and Al Thani agreed to continue contacts at various levels.
The World Cup will be held in Qatar from November 20 to December 18.
GSV "Russia - Islamic world"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS