Serbian soldiers ready for Beijing parade (PHOTOS)

Serbian soldiers ready for Beijing parade (PHOTOS)

Beside the host, and Serbia, other countries taking part in the parade include Russia, Pakistan, Mexico, Cuba, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Mongolia, Egypt, Laos, Kyrgyzstan, and Vanuatu. The head of the Serbian delegation, Lt. Col. Vladimir Vukajlovic, said on Friday that 81 Guard soldiers will depart for Beijing in the next few days, and take part in the parade on September 3.

Vukajlovic stressed that the Serbian soldiers' participation in the May 9 Victory Day parade in Moscow was "an invaluable experience" that will make the task ahead easier. National Echelon of the VS commander Major Marko Marjanovic said that the soldiers are well prepared and ready to represent Serbia's military and the country "in the best possible way" in Beijing.

During the parade, the VS Guards will carry T-51 rifles provided by the Chinese - as these are "closest" to the M-59s they normally use - and will wear the traditional light-blue dress uniforms.