MOSCOW: Russian president Vladimir Putin has formally opened the World Cup draw ceremony at the State Kremlin Palace.

The president made a five-minute speech after arriving on stage with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Putin urged people to visit and enjoy a country "so big and multi-faceted."

"We will do everything to make it a major sporting festival," he said, looking forward to a World Cup of "friendship and fair play, values that do not change with time."

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