On Iranian president's visit to France

The spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Hameed Rida Asefi, has announced that Iranian President Muhammad Khatami will make his expected visit to France after the necessary measures for this visit are completed, adding that this visit comes at the official invitation of French President Jacques Chirac.

In a press statement in Tehran Asefi added that the French officials give top priority to this visit and that Paris is careful to develop and strengthen its relations with Iran to cover all fields.

Asefi continued that President Khatami will deliver a speech at a UNESCO meeting on the sideline of his visit to Paris, noting that the " precise date" for this visit will be announced later.

He stressed Iran's commitment to its policy to eliminating tension and dealing with matters and issues by peaceful means. He said that such a policy has greatly welcomed by all countries of the region and the world. He indicated that not only the ME states but also the countries of the European Union who also want to develop their relations with Iran on the ground of mutual respect.

Asefi hinted the successful visit carried out by the Iranian Shoura council chief Nateq Nouri to Saudi Arabia. He added that the warm hospitality Nouri and his companions received by high ranking Saudi officials reveal Saudi's keenness to develop and strengthen its relations with Iran, especially in the parliamentary field.