Russian filmmaker Mikhalkov named Belgrade honorary citizen

Oscar-winning Russian director Nikita Mikhalkov was on Friday named an honorary citizen of Belgrade for promoting the Serbian capital and the country's ties with Russia, AFP reports.

"With this gesture Belgrade wants to immortalise its friendship with Mikhalkov who contributed to the promotion of our city and boosting of our ties with Russia," Belgrade mayor Sinisa Mali said during a ceremony held at the city hall.

Mikhalkov, 69, thanked both Serbia's authorities and its artists "for not being afraid to remain Russia's friends in those difficult times."

Mikhalkov, the director of 1995 Oscar winner "Burnt By the Sun," is an ardent supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin's conservative trend and his movies have enjoyed considerable state support.

Serbia is a traditional ally of Russia.