The emir of Qatar has thanked Vladimir Putin for his “great support” with the 2022 FIFA World Cup, even as the Russian president’s lethal war on Ukraine continues.

The leaders met Thursday at a regional summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, where Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani lavished praise on Putin, who has become a pariah in the West since launching his full-scale assault in February.

“After Russia made a great success in organizing the 2018 World Cup, Russian friends have provided great support to Qatar, especially in terms of organization, with the organizing committee of the 2022 World Cup,” the emir said.

“We thank you for this and we are proud of this relationship. This will continue until the end of the World Cup. I am very happy to see you, Mr. President. Thank you,” he added.

Putin responded that Russia was “doing everything we can in terms of transferring the experience of preparing for the World Cup,” and added: “I’m sure that it will be a success.” Putin also said he was looking forward to the emir paying a visit to Russia.

The Qatar-Russia love-in will fuel controversy surrounding the World Cup, which begins next month and has faced criticism ever since Qatar was awarded the tournament in 2010. Bribery and corruption allegations dogged the bidding process, while human rights groups have lambasted the Gulf state for its treatment of migrant workers.

FIFA booted Russia out of the 2022 World Cup shortly after its invasion of Ukraine began.