Khatami officially welcomed in Yerevan
IRNA, Iran
Sept 8 2004
Yerevan, Sept 8, IRNA — Armenian President Robert Kocharian here on
Wednesday led an official ceremony welcoming Iranian President Seyed
Mohammad Khatami.
The ceremony, held in the presidential palace, was attended by
top-ranking Armenian and Iranian officials. It started with the
playing of the national anthems of the two countries followed by a
review of the Armenian national guard of honor.
According to reports, after the ceremony the two presidents forthwith
held private negotiations.
Meetings between high-ranking officials of the two sides are to follow
after the private discussion of the presidents.
Khatami, before he concludes his visit, is to attend a press conference
to answer reporters` questions on the subjects covered by the two
sides` negotiations.
Khatami`s official visit to Armenia is taking place in return for
an official visit made by President Kocharian to Iran in 2001.
The visit, it is believed, could open new phases of cooperation
between the two countries.
He and his delegation will next visit Belarus after concluding their
visit to Armenia.
Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi, Energy Minister Habibollah Bitaraf,
Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance Safdar Hosseini and Commerce
Minister Mohammad Shariatmadari are accompanying President Khatami
in this regional tour.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress