Iran president officially welcomed by Iraqi counterpart

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran was officially welcomed by President Jalal Talabani here on Sunday. The Iranian president arrived in Baghdad this morning heading a high-ranking political and economic delegation on a two-day official visit.

During the official welcome ceremony, national anthems of the two countries were played and the two presidents reviewed a guard of honor.

Upon arrival at the Baghdad airport, the Iranian president was welcomed by Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari and a number of senior Iraqi officials.

The visit is taking place at the official invitation of President Talabani.

Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki, ministers of energy, economy and transport as well as a group of Majlis deputies are accompanying President Ahmadinejad.