Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced this Saturday that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro will travel to Moscow to participate in Victory Day on May 9, the annual events commemorating the Soviet victory in World War II.
“We are preparing President Maduro’s visit. We would be grateful to have his presence on Victory Day,” Lavrov said from the Turkish city of Antalya, where he met with his Venezuelan counterpart, Yván Gil.
“It will also be a good opportunity for the presidents to discuss bilateral issues and the international situation,” he added, referring to a possible meeting between Maduro and Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry.
Moscow emphasizes that the Antalya meeting served to “synchronize the clocks,” taking advantage of the presence of both diplomatic officials at the Diplomatic Forum, which will be held from April 11 to 13 in the Turkish city.
This year, Russia celebrates the 80th anniversary of what is known as the Great Patriotic War. The occasion is usually marked with a large military parade in the Russian capital.
