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Hariri to attend FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Moscow

saad hariri fifa world cup

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Saad Hariri will make an official visit to Russia to attend the opening ceremonies of the FIFA World Cup, Russia’s press service reported.

Hariri will reportedly visit Moscow from June 12 to June 14 and stay near the Luzhniki Stadium, where the World Cup will be held.

George Shaaban, Hariri’s advisor for Russian affairs, told news agencies he is setting up meetings with Russian leaders.

Russian president Vladimir Putin holding the FIFA World Cup Trophy at a pre-tournament ceremony in Moscow, September 2017. (Administration of the President of Russia)
Russian president Vladimir Putin holding the FIFA World Cup Trophy at a pre-tournament ceremony in Moscow, September 2017. (Administration of the President of Russia)

Hariri is planning to meet with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during his visit, Shaaban said.

The tournament’s opening ceremony begins June 14, and will be followed by the first match between Russia and Saudi Arabia.

Lebanon has taken part in World Cup qualifiers since 1994 but has yet to appear in the finals.

The visit is Hariri’s tenth visit to Moscow. His last visit was in September 2017, Russia’s press service added.

RELATED: Report: Tele Liban to broadcast the World Cup in Lebanon for free

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