Vladimir Putin continues to meet with foreign leaders who've arrived for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Leaders from all over the world are here. From Paraguay whose leader has met with Putin for the first to time, to North Korea.
Denis Davydov reports with the details.
During the World Cup, it's all about soccer. Even the strict ceremony of protocol meetings has given way to the game. The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia takes the ball right by the airstair. From the airport to Kremlin — Russian President and Saudi Prince met before the match between their teams. It's no surprise that they mostly talked as fans, not as politicians.
President Putin: "You know how warmly we feel about you and I hope you understand why I can't wish your team good luck today. Let the best team win. We stand for honest, open, and beautiful sports. Either way, we'll admire the skilled game of our players together".
Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia: "Let the best team win. Even if we lose, we'll benefit from the economic and political talks".
The guests from the Middle East traditionally prefer wearing national clothes instead of business suits. The Chechen Leader is also at the meeting due to his republic's relations with Saudi Arabia. Besides, Ramzan Kadyrov and Mohammad bin Salman have a warm, friendly relationship.
Kremlin is hosting the delegation from the most closed-off country. Kim Yong-nam has arrived in Moscow from North Korea. At 90, he's one of the oldest incumbent politicians in the world. He'd worked with Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, and is now the Head of the North Korean Parliament with the third Kim as his leader. They immediately begin discussing the recent historic meeting between Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump.
President Putin: "This is definitely only the first step towards a full-fledged reconciliation. This step was taken due to both leaders' good will. The unfortunate possible course of action has been set aside, and replaced by the opportunity to resolve all issues by peaceful, political, and diplomatic means".
Each one of the Korean guests wears a badge with the leaders' portraits. Kim Yong-nam always wears it when he travels, being one of the few North Korean elite members not affected by the international sanctions.
President Putin: "Please tell the North Korean Leader, Mr. Kim Jong-un, that Russia awaits his visit".
Kim Yong-nam, the President of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of North Korea: "Comrade Kim Jong-un sends you his best wishes. I'm honored to deliver this message to you from the Supreme Leader of North Korea".
This handshake in the Kremlin is truly a historic one. This is the first meeting between the leaders of Russia and Paraguay since the beginning of their diplomatic relations. Mario Abdo Benítez has brought decorations of Russian white officers to Moscow. The latter had immigrated to Paraguay after the Civil War, becoming the backbone of the Paraguayan Army.
Juan Varela, the President of Panama, has come to Russia to support his team. This is the first time his team has made it into the World Cup tournament.
The CIS leaders are the most dignified group of foreign officials at the World Cup in Moscow.
"Who will score the first goal today? The Russian team will".
The President of Tajikistan must have a second sight. Russia is the only CIS country to participate in the World Cup, all the neighboring countries are here to support us.
- Are you ready? Here it comes. Good job!
The Kazakh President came for the opening match, the Uzbek Leader also landed in Moscow earlier.
The Leader of Kyrgyzstan, Sooronbay Jeenbekov, has also arrived.
President Putin: I'm very glad to see you.
Sooronbay Jeenbekov, the President of Kyrgyzstan: "I'd like to thank you for inviting me to the opening of the World Cup in Moscow. I sincerely wish the Russian team the best of luck and great victories".
Vladimir Putin has held 10 international meetings over 2 days. And, these aren't all the high-profile fans who planned to come to Russia for the World Cup. The Championship has just begun, and many more foreign leaders will come to Russia to enjoy the beautiful game and talk business with the Russian Leader.
