Russia 2018: ‘Macron in Petersburg to Support France against Belgium’

France President Emmanuel Macron will arrive in St. Petersburg on Tuesday to support his national team during their World Cup semi-final against neighbors Belgium, an employee of the French Consulate General in St. Petersburg told Sputnik on Monday.

“The president will arrive to the France-Belgium match as part of a delegation in order to support his national team, as he said he would do if they advance to the semi-finals. He will arrive in St. Petersburg tomorrow,” the employee said.

He did not specify the names of any other members of the delegation or named any possible official events that Macron might take part in while in St. Petersburg.

Earlier, the Elysee Palace said that Macron will arrive in Russia to support his team at the FIFA World Cup semi-final match in St. Petersburg. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Sputnik on Friday that Moscow welcomed the French president’s decision to visit Russia for the World Cup.

Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders, who watched Belgium beat Brazil 2-0 in the quarter-finals, is also expected to attend the semi-final encounter. King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium will also be present at the game.