KUWAIT CITY, June 14 (Xinhua) -- The Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah congratulated Russia on holding the 2018 World Cup, the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) said.

In a cable sent to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Emir praised the stunning inauguration show and great efforts that had been exerted for organizing the great international festival, KUNA said.

He hoped that the sports event would contribute to cementing bonds and interaction among peoples of the globe to spread security and peace across the world.

He wished Russia prosperity, hoping to see that the historic and distinctive ties between Kuwait and Russia develop further.

The World Cup kicked off in Russia Thursday as the host nation beat Saudi Arabia 5-0 in front of 80,000 people in Moscow.