Tehran, June 11, IRNA -- Belgian Foreign Minister Louis Michel        
arrived here Tuesday morning for a two-day visit to discuss trade     
between Iran and the European Union.                                  
    Upon arrival at the Mehrabad International Airport, he told       
reporters that he is "very optimistic" about a trade agreement which  
Iran and the European Union are intending to sign.                    
    "Iran is an important country and relations with that country     
should be strengthened in all areas," Michel said.                    
    The European Union is seeking to expand its ties with Iran in     
line with the policy of 'dialogue among civilizations' which has      
was announced an international theme in 2001 by the United Nations    
on President Mohammad Khatami's initiative, he added.                 
    Belgium attaches a high importance to Iran in its foreign policy  
and is determined to expand its ties with the Islamic Republic in all 
economic, political, regional and international fields, Michel said.  
    During his stay in Tehran, the Belgian foreign minister, will     
meet several Iranian officials, including his opposite number Kamal   
Kharrazi and President Mohammad Khatami as well as Parliament         
Speaker Mehdi Karroubi.                                               
    Michel will leave Tehran on Thursday for Georgia.                 
FM/BH/AR                                                              
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