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Tehran, March 11, IRNA -- President Mohammad Khatami said here on Monday that mutual respect is among the principled policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran for establishment of ties with other countries.
The Iranian president made the remark before leaving for his two-nation European tour which will take him to Austria and Greece.
Tehran believes that understanding and exchange of views among thinkers and scholars would lead to establishment of an international atmosphere full of understanding and cooperation, he told reporters gathered at Mehrabad International Airport.
Referring to crucial status of both Austria and Greece in the European Union (EU) and at international arena, he stressed that historical and cultural commonalties have paved the way for further expansion of relations between Tehran, Vienna and Athens.
He expressed the hope that his visit to the two European countries will result in strengthening of friendship between the Islamic Republic of Iran and all EU member states.
President Khatami said that the visits take place at the official invitations of Austrian President Thomas Klestil and his Greekcounterpart Costis Stephanopoulos.
The Iranian president was seen off at Mehrabad International Airport by First Vice-President Mohammad Reza Aref, Head of the Leader's Office Hojatoleslam Mohammad Mohammadi Golpayegani, a number of cabinet ministers, and several Majlis deputies.
In Vienna, Khatami is scheduled to meet with Klestil and Chancellor Wolfgang Schussel, Parliament Speaker Heinz Fisher and heads of political parties. He will also deliver a speech at a conference of Austrian thinkers on the issue of Dialogue among Civilizations.
Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi and Minister of Industries and Mines are accompanying President Khatami in his visit to Austria.
In Greece, the Iranian president will meet with Greek President Stephanopoulos, Prime Minister Costas Simitis, Parliament Speaker Apostolos Kaklamanis and some of the cultural and political personalities.
He is also expected to give a lecture among Greek intellectuals and academicians. Khatami will later attend ceremonies to pay homage to the memory of the "unknown soldier" and receive "Athens' golden key" from the city's mayor.
Kharrazi and Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh will accompany the Iranian president in his visit to Greece.
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