Date Set For Putin's Visit To Belgrade

Russian President Vladimir Putin is to visit Belgrade on October 16 to mark the 70th anniversary of its liberation in World War II.

The Kremlin said Putin will visit Serbia at the invitation of President Tomislav Nikolic.

Serbia's Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic said on September 30 that Putin will attend "a military parade, one such as we have not had in more than 40 years."

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said last week that Putin would be discussing new projects with Serbian leaders that contribute to the "further deepening of our partnership."

Serbia, for example, is still committed to Russia's South Stream gas pipeline project despite opposition from the European Union, which claims the Russian project violates EU antimonopoly laws.

Serbia is not an EU member but has aspirations to join.

Based on reporting by dpa and Itar-Tass