New Delhi: Iranian President Seyyed Mohammed Khatami, who will be the chief guest at this year's Republic Day celebrations, on January 24 night had an informal meeting with Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee shortly after his arrival on a five-day visit.

The interaction was over a private dinner hosted by the Prime Minister at his official residence.

Khatami will hold wide-ranging discussions with Vajpayee on January 25 on bilateral, regional and international issues of importance.

Several agreements are expected to be inked during the visit.

Khatami, who is leading a high-power delegation, was warmly received at the Delhi airport by Minister of State for External Affairs Digvijay Singh and Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal.

Four key Iranian ministers, Kamal Kharrazi (Foreign Affairs), Ali Shamkhani (Defence), Mostafa Moeen (Science and Technology) and Bijan Zangneh (Oil), are accompanying Khatami.

Khatami will be accorded ceremonial reception on January 25 morning. He would visit Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi.

The Iranian leaders will have meetings with President A P J Abdul Kalam, Vice- President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani, External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha and Leader of Opposition Sonia Gandhi.

PTI