MOSCOW, July 14. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday he would think on how to make the visa regime for fans as comfortable as possible and give them an opportunity for getting to know Russia better.
"We will definitely think on making the visa regime as comfortable as possible for fans who liked Russia, [and] give them an opportunity to keep getting to know Russia, all the more so because the potential of such contacts is infinite," the Russian leader said during the gala-concert dedicated to the closing of FIFA World Cup at Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre.
Putin said that many fans, who attended the World Cup events in Russia, said they would like to return to Russia once again and bring their family members and friends. He added that being a country with vast territory and authentic culture, Russia has a lot to offer to its guests.
He thanked FIFA for believing in Russia and said his country would always be glad to accept its old and new friends, whose number increased thanks to the World Cup.
"The FIFA World Cup, just like other major international sporting events, has a unique power to unite people and to unleash the full potential of the so-called people’s diplomacy, which at all times has contributed to the prosperity of our planet, our common home," the Russian leader said.
He thanked "everyone, who took part in making the decision to hold the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and personally [FIFA President Gianni] Infantino for the opportunity to stage such a high-profile event.
Putin thanked them "for trust, for support in Russia’s preparations for the tournament and, most importantly, for having faith in Russia as a nation which keeps its word, respects its partners and embraces the magnificent spirit and principles of sports."
"Russia is always glad to see its old and new friends, and now there is more of them," he said.