The South Stream pipeline and energy are expected to top the agenda when Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin makes an official visit to Belgrade on March 23, according to the Serbian news agency Tanjug.
Putin is expected to share details about the preparation and progress of the South Stream pipeline project with Serbian officials.
The South Stream pipeline would transport Russian natural gas from the Black Sea to Western Europe, crossing Serbian territory. In addition, a major gas storage facility near Bantaski Dvor in Serbia is planned.
Russian Ambassador to Serbia Aleksandr Konuzin said on Thursday in Belgrade that Russia would like to see Serbia emerge as a leader in the energy field in the Balkans. "Putin's forthcoming visit is another step in a series of intensive contacts between the two countries," said Konuzin.
The Russian prime minister's visit is to be followed by visits of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov, and Minister of Emergency Situations Sergey Shoigu, who also serves as the co-chair of the joint
committee for commercial, economic, scientific and technical cooperation between Serbia and Russia, said Konuzin.