Iranian President highlights ties with Syria

Iranian President Muhammad Khatami on Tuesday opened Tehran's 11th International Book Exhibition in the presence of Syrian Culture Minister Najah al-Attar and her Iranian counterpart Atalla Mahjarani.

The opening ceremony was attended by a large number of writers, men of letters and owners of Iranian, Arab and Foreign publishing houses.

President Khatami talked about the role of books in upgrading people's cultural levels and in achieving peaceful coexistence among them. He said holding book exhibitions is a bridge between the world's different cultures and civilizations.

In a speech she delivered the Syrian minister noted the distinguished historical relations between Syria and Iran.