Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani praised Russia’s “cooperation” in preparations for the World Cup in a telephone conversation with President Vladimir Putin on Friday, according to an official statement.
Russia has been banned from this year’s World Cup due to its invasion of Ukraine, and Qatar has criticized Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian lands.
The conversation comes two days before the start of the 2018 tournament in Russia.
Diplomats say Russia has been largely barred from training since the February invasion, despite taking part in an international security exercise ahead of the World Cup last year.
A statement released by Amiri Diwan said Putin congratulated Qatar on hosting the World Cup.
He added that the prince thanked Putin for his message and praised Russia’s cooperation in organizing the global event.
