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Serbs prepare warm welcome for Russian president

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to attend celebrations on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of Belgrade’s liberation and the victory over fascism

Russian President Vladimir Putin Alexey Nikolsky/TASS

Russian President Vladimir Putin

© Alexey Nikolsky/TASS

BELGRADE, October 16. /TASS/. Belgrade prepares to give a hearty welcome to Russian President Vladimir Putin who is arriving on an official visit on Thursday and will be a guest of honor at the country’s first military parade in 30 years.

The Serbian capital has been plastered with posters of Putin, reading 'Welcome, President' in both Serbian and Russian languages and local shops have been selling T-shirts with the Russian leader, which are popular among the citizens.

Some 912 mass media representatives have been registered to cover the visit that will last several hours, the press service of Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic said.

The Russian leader, who comes to Serbia at the invitation of Nikolic, is expected to attend celebrations on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of Belgrade’s liberation and the victory over fascism.

Putin will be an honorary guest at a military parade in which the famous Russian aerobatics display team Strizhi (Swifts) will take part. He will also attend a wreath laying ceremony at the Liberators of Belgrade cemetery and the monument to the World War I heroes.

The grand military parade, the 24th since 1945, has been moved forward four days to accommodate the Russian president’s schedule. The Serbian capital usually marks Liberation Day on October 20.

Tags

Foreign policy Vladimir Putin Serbia Bilateral relations

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