Aiming to strengthen his position the parliamentary elections in Serbia, the outgoing Serbian PM Vojislav Kostunica has reportedly invited a senior Russian MP to Belgrade. Konstantin Kosachov, who heads the International Affairs Committee at the State Duma, will arrive in Belgrade on May 8.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Kosachov stated that his visit would take place as part of a “friendly party” agreement between the ruling United Russia party and Koštunica’s Democratic Party of Serbia (DSS).

According to DSS, during his visit Kosachov will participate in a DSS public meeting before the early elections due on May 11. The Russian deputy is also expected to meet with leaders of other political parties and with members of Serbia’s caretaker parliament.

Serbian President Boris Tadi dismissed Serbian parliament in March and called the new elections after nationalist premier Kostunica refused to govern alongside Tadic’s Democratic Party over disagreements on EU integration.