Vladimir Putin, Russian President. | Photo by Alexei Druzhinin/ Presidential Press Service

Russia confirmed on Tuesday that President Vladimir Putin will visit Belgrade on October 16 at the invitation of Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic.

“The President of Russia will take part in celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Belgrade from Nazi occupation.

“Talks with Tomislav Nikolic and conversations with Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic are to focus on key issues of bilateral cooperation, primarily in trade and the economy,” Putin’s office said.

Vucic and the Russian Ambassador to Serbia, Alexander Chepurin, previously met to discuss the programme of the visit.

Following the meeting, Vucic announced that Serbia will prepare a grand military parade to mark the anniversary of the liberation of Belgrade at the end of World War II.

“President Putin will also attend a military parade such we haven’t prepared in 40 years, as I believe this date and the occasion deserve it,” Vucic said at a press conference on Tuesday.

The Serbian Prime Minister stated that during Putin’s visit, the two sides will discuss future relations between the two historic allies.

“I am convinced that in future we can do many things together which would be in the interest of both countries,” Vucic said.

Earlier in September, Michael Kirby, US ambassador to Serbia, expressed his concern about Putin’s visit, saying he did want to know why Putin was expected in Belgrade.