The Belarussian President, Alexander Lukashenko, is visiting Belgrade today for talks with President Milosevic.

Mr Lukashenko's office said the visit was taking place at Mr Milosevic's invitation.

It comes two days after the Yugoslav parliament voted in favour of joining the union between Belarus and Russia.

Senior officials in both countries reacted cautiously to the request, saying no decision could be taken until the conflict between Yugoslavia and NATO was over.

Mr Lukashenko has reportedly discussed his trip with President Yeltsin.

Today's talks are expected to focus on the prospects for a settlement in Kosovo and for sending further Russian and Belarussian humanitarian aid to Yugoslavia.