It took more time and expenses than anyone ever expected, but Tehran subway train has at last arrived at the station. The subway train made its debut as President Khatami, accompanied by the interior minister, Tehran mayor and a Chinese delegation headed by the foreign minister Tang Jiaxuan took the first ride. After long negotiations and evaluation of many potential partners, Iran shook hands with China to complete the giant project.

In Tehran megalopolis, there are days when you don’t feel like breathing at all, let alone taking a stroll. The long-awaited subway train was more than a vital necessity to tackle such stifling issues as air pollution, traffic, and public transportation.

The visit of the Chinese foreign minister also served some other purposes. President Khatami received a renewed invitation to China from his Chinese counterpart Jiang Zemin. Also, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding to expand cooperation in various fields.