No Western Leaders Present: Putin Stresses Apolitical Nature of World Cup Opening Ceremony

The president’s words, that sports are apolitical, were confirmed by Putin's international meeting today. A number of heads of states and governments came to the opening of the World Cup in Moscow.

The president’s words, that sports are apolitical, were confirmed by Putin's international meeting today. A number of heads of states and governments came to the opening of the World Cup in Moscow. The main topic of every conversation is cooperation.

Alexey Petrov's reporting.

 

This is how the foreign guests were met in Moscow. The atmosphere of soccer is all around. The president of Azerbaijan was greeted by Zabivaka, along with the official delegation. Having passed the ball, Aliev wishes good luck to Russian team.

Ilham Aliev: "I wish Russia victory in the Cup".

The gigantic soccer festival is still ahead; today is the day of talks. The World Cup is a good reason to talk over not only soccer but bilateral relations as well. There are many meetings in the Kremlin. The economy, business, investments are in the spotlight. The list of guests shows how multi-pronged Russian foreign policy is.

The first meeting is with Ilham Aliyev.

President Putin: "I hope that your stay in Moscow will be interesting and productive. It'll be interesting because, I think, the game will be beautiful, and it'll be productive since there are so many of our colleagues from different countries. So, you have a chance to talk to them or introduce yourselves. Speaking about our bilateral relations — the year before last, out bilateral trade rose by 34.4%, and for the first quarter of this year, by an almost additional 19%. It's a good rate that should be supported".

Ilham Aliyev: "I want to congratulate you on the successful preparation for the World Cup. As to our relations — there's positive momentum in the economic field. We have plans to increase our economic cooperation".

The president of Bolivia, Juan Evo Morales, has come to Moscow as well. Nine years ago, he was the first Bolivian president to visit Russia. The Russian business provides Latin America with cars and medicines. There are many joint energy projects. Two years ago, Rosatom signed an agreement to create a huge scientific facility. Today, it's been agreed on to use Russian technologies to save natural resources. Gazprom has its particular interest.

President Putin: "Gazprom is working at two deposits. We're currently considering doubling production. Rosatom creates research centers in your country".

Evo Morales: "Energy security is important for Bolivia. We start new interesting projects with Gazprom and Rosatom. The energy companies' cooperation unites our countries".

The prime minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan was greeted in a "soccer manner" as well. He came to Moscow with his spouse. While the delegation was leaving, the premier airliner crew took photos with Zabivaka. Pashinyan hurried to the Kremlin to meet Vladimir Putin.

President Putin: "Russia is Armenia's top trading partner. Last year, it rose by more than 30%. This year, it's increasing as well".

Nikol Pashinyan: "I congratulate you on the World Cup because it's a big important epoch-making event. Indeed, we have a special relationship between Russia and Armenia. I hope that it will be even more special".

Putin talked with the prime minister of Lebanon, Saad Hariri, on deepening cooperation as well. Russia sells grain, meat, and dairy to Lebanon. Our construction workers are there as well.

Rwanda appreciates many Russian specialists as well. Vladimir Putin has talked with the country's president, Paul Kagame. Dozens of African students come to Moscow to study. By the way, the Rwandan ambassador in Russia, Jeanne d'Arc Mujawamariya, here is she at the meeting in the Kremlin, is a graduate of the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia.

Alexey Petrov, Irina Vinogradova, Victor Prikhodko, Alexander Ponomarev, Vesti.