Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani praised Russia’s “cooperation” in preparations for the World Cup during a phone call with President Vladimir Putin on Friday, AFP reported.

The Russian president congratulated Qatar on hosting the FIFA World Cup, which opens in the Persian Gulf country on Sunday, the emir’s office said in a statement. The Emir thanked Vladimir Putin for his message and “highly appreciated Russia’s cooperation in organizing this global event.”

Russia, which hosted the 2018 FIFA World Cup, was banned from the 2022 World Cup after invading Ukraine in February.

Last year, it took part in international security exercises during the sporting event, but diplomats say Russia has been largely left out of preparations for the World Cup.

Qatar, a close US ally and home to the largest US military base in the Middle East, has strengthened its ties with Russia in recent years.