You're reading: Medvedev to attend Olympic opening ceremony in London

MOSCOW — Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev will fly to London on Friday to attend the opening ceremony for the anniversary Olympic Games, and he will be the Russian Olympic team's leader.

Medvedev will be among the guests at a reception in honor of the
heads of state and government on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II, during
which he will have a working contact with British Prime Minister David
Cameron, the government press service has reported.

On the second day Medvedev will meet with the Russian Olympic team
and watch a volleyball game between the Russian and British women’s
teams.

“Attendance of the opening ceremony is an imperative for Medvedev,” a source in the government earlier said.

It is a sign of Russia’s respect for the Olympic movement. “The next
Winter Olympic Games will be held in Russia. It is not surprising that
the prime minister wants to view how the Olympic Games have been
organized right in London,” he said.

President Vladimir Putin wants to visit the Olympic Games, too. He
said at the G20 summit in Los Cabos on June 20 that he would probably go
to London on a “private visit” to watch judo competitions.

“The Russian delegation will be led by Prime Minister Medvedev, but I
will probably go to the Olympics, as well. I would like to watch judo
competitions,” he told the media then.

Putin said he had informed Cameron of his plans and the British prime
minister replied that he would be happy to see him. “Perhaps we will
meet,” Putin remarked.