Ilham Aliyev canceled his visit to Moscow for the May 9 parade

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev does not plan to participate in the parade to be held on May 9 in Moscow, although the Kremlin had hoped for his presence. This decision was announced in a report by the Interfax newspaper, citing Yuri Ushakov, an aide to the Russian president. According to him, Aliyev will miss the event due to participation in events dedicated to the memory of his father, Heydar Aliyev, the former leader of Azerbaijan.

“We have received confirmation that Aliyev will not come. His absence is explained by participation in commemorative events in honor of Heydar Aliyev,” Ushakov said.

In addition, Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith also announced his refusal to participate in the parade. His absence indicates health problems, particularly a possible coronavirus infection. The Minister of Foreign Affairs will represent Laos at the event.

Meanwhile, Chinese leader Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow on May 7 for a four-day state visit aimed at “deepening mutual trust” between the countries and participating in celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory in World War II.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić arrived in Moscow on the same day and is expected to participate in the Red Square parade on May 9.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Vietnamese President Tho Lam, and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko are among the foreign leaders expected to visit Moscow.