ISTANBUL, October 5 (RIA Novosti) - Russia is ready to extend a loan to Serbia and is considering the possibility of granting a loan to Bulgaria, the Russian finance minister said on Monday.

Alexei Kudrin said Serbia had asked for 1 billion euros, including 350 million to cover its budget deficit and the rest for investment programs.

Kudrin said Russia had yet to decide on a 3.8 billion euro loan for Bulgaria, requested last year.

Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic said Belgrade "anticipates a positive answer" from Moscow on its request for financial aid ahead of President Dmitry Medvedev's October 20 visit to the country.

Medvedev will arrive in Serbia to celebrate the 65th anniversary of Belgrade's liberation from the Nazis.