DUBAI, July 16 (Xinhua) -- United Arab Emirates (UAE) Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid on Monday congratulated Russian President Vladimir Putin on the success of 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid sent a message to Putin, congratulating him "on the good and successful organization of the 2018 World Cup final in Moscow," the prime minister's media office said on its official website.
He also lauded Russia "for providing huge resources and potentials to the participating teams, which contributed to the success of the Cup and delivery of its aspired noble goals."
France won the FIFA World Cup for the second time in the tournament's history, defeating Croatia with 4-2 goals in the final on Saturday.
The UAE did not qualify for this year's World Cup. The last and only appearance of the Gulf Arab state in the final round of the quadrennial football gala dates back to 1990 in Italy.
