MOSCOW (TASS) — Turkmenistan’s President Gurbankuly Berdimuhamedov informed Russian President Vladimir Putin in a phone call on Friday that he would be unable to visit Moscow for the Victory Day Parade since traditionally, he celebrates his birthday with the family and the nation.

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Turkmenistan’s state-owned news agency TDH reported on Friday that Defence Minister Major General Begench Gundogdyev would lead the country’s delegation to Moscow.

According to the news agency, Berdimuhamedow voiced regrets that he would not be able to attend the festivities in Moscow marking the 75^th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory in World War II and explained that he would turn 63 on June 29. In accordance with the established national traditions, birthdays should be celebrated with family and friends, as well as with the people of Turkmenistan.

Soldiers from Turkmenistan will take part in the parade on Red Square, and they have already arrived in Moscow.