France
French President Emmanuel Macron will attend the soccer World Cup in Russia, the Elysee said on Friday, after France beat Uruguay to book a place in the semi-finals.
Hosting the World Cup has allowed Russian President Vladimir Putin to step up his diplomacy, securing a series of meetings with international guests on the sidelines of the tournament at a time when Russia is increasingly isolated on the global stage.
Putin says World Cup has broken stereotypes about Russia
Macron said at an economic forum in St Petersburg in May that he would return to Russia if France reached the World Cup semi-finals, which the French team did earlier on Friday after defeating Uruguay 2-0.
Asked about Macron’s plans to visit Russia, a French Elysee official said on Friday: “Yes, he will go.”
The official said the Macron would travel only for the game, when France take on Belgium in St Petersburg on Tuesday, and that he had no other plans while in Russia.
The Kremlin said it welcomed Macron’s decision. “We are happy that the president of France is coming,” RIA news agency quoted spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying.
Human rights groups have previously called for Western leaders to boycott the World Cup in Russia due to Moscow’s actions in Syria.
01:02
Guinea: France joins calls for transparent investigation into mass grave
01:49
French presidential hopeful Philippe vows to crack down on immigration to Mayotte
01:18
Reuters: Continental confederations in talks to oust FIFA boss Infantino
01:03
Chad welcomes back French military less than two years ending defence agreement
00:51
Bayern Munich's Musiala reveals neurological issue after second collapse
00:52
Patrick Vieira takes charge of Senegal after World Cup disappointment