Vucic: Putin to visit Serbia on October 16

BELGRADE - The President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, will come to Belgrade on October 16 to attend the marking of the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Belgrade and victory over fascism, Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic announced on Tuesday.

At a press conference after a meeting with Russian Ambassador to Serbia Alexander Chepurin, Vucic said that they discussed parts of the schedule of President Putin's visit.

While in Belgrade, the Russian president will talk with Prime Minister Vucic, Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic, and have a luncheon with members of the Russian and Serbian delegations.

"President Putin will also attend a large military parade that we have not had for over 40 years as I think that this date and occasion deserve that," the prime minister said.

He added that the victory over fascism is something that the Serbian citizens take great pride in.

Vucic noted that, during the Russian president's visit, the talks will address the future of relations between the two countries - which he said are good but could be even better and more successful - and added that much could be done for the benefit of both countries.

Vucic announced that an organising committee will be set up on Tuesday or Wednesday for the parade that will mark the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Belgrade in World War II.

It is also the wish of President Nikolic and our entire leadership that this be a parade of the Serbian military, Vucic said.

"We will probably also have guests who participated in the liberation of Belgrade with us, and they will show their strength," said Vucic, who believes that the parade will be a magnificent event for the Serbian...