Russian President Vladimir Putin wished Qatar a successful hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2022.
"As early as next week, Russia's northern capital will begin hosting matches of the starting European Football Championship. In this regard, I would like to address my best wishes to our great friend, the Emir of Qatar," Putin said, speaking on Friday at a plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). "I am confident that Qatar will host next year's world soccer championship with great success," the Russian president added.
Putin noted that Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani had a birthday on June 3. "We congratulate you, your highness," the president said.
The Russian head of state noted that major sporting events and forums bring different countries together and make them closer. "Representatives of the business community, there are many of them here, know very well that direct communication based on mutual trust is what drives forward business projects and initiatives and hence the entire world economy," he said. The president assured that Russia will provide all possibilities for such communication and experience exchange, for demonstration of the most advanced achievements of science and technologies.
Putin wished success to the forum and added that "despite all the trials associated with the global pandemic, life is gradually returning to normal". In his opinion, the meeting in St. Petersburg is an important confirmation of that.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS