Tehran, Aug 21, IRNA - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Thursday officially welcomed Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani.

Al-Thani arrived in Tehran this morning on a day-long official visit at the head of a high-ranking delegation for talks with senior Iranian officials.

Ahmadinejad and al-Thani are scheduled to exchange views on the latest regional and international developments immediately after the welcome ceremony.

Iran's First Vice-President Parviz Davoudi, Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki and senior presidential advisor Mojtaba Samareh Hashemi were also present at the ceremony held at the Presidential Office.

The Qatari Emir was welcomed at Tehran Mehrabad International Airport by Mottaki.