Kabul, Feb 7 (IANS): Afghan President Hamid Karzai left for Russia Friday to attend the opening of the Sochi Winter Olympics, the president's office said.
"President Hamid Karzai, leading a high-level delegation, left (Friday) this morning to Russia at the official invitation of the Russian President Vladimir Putin to take part in inauguration of the Winter Olympics in Sochi city of Russia," the office said.
During his one-day visit, the Afghan president would also hold meetings with the Russian president, Chinese President Xi Jinping and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, it said.
The president was accompanied by National Security Advisor Rangin Dadfar Spanta and Foreign Minister Zarhar Ahmad Usmani, Xinhua reported.
The 22nd Winter Olympics will start Friday. About 60 world leaders have announced their plans to attend the inaugural ceremony.