Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – November 14, 1996

From home, we went to the polymer research center in Chitgarh. Mr. [Hamid] Mirzadeh and his wife had also come home; We went together. Chastity also came. We visited laboratories, workshops, pilots and buildings. We have seen several important works under investigation or completed. In the staff meeting, we heard the report of Dr. Barikani, the head of the center, and Dr. [Syed Mohammad Reza] Hashemi [Golpaygani, Minister of Culture and Higher Education], about the main research. I also gave an encouraging speech about the importance of research and this center and presented the [research] badge to Dr. [Fathullah] Mutzorzadeh, [member of the Academy of Sciences and president of the Iranian Chemistry Association].

On the way back, we went back through the subway. Mr. [Asghar] Ebrahimi, [CEO of Tehran Metro Company] and Mr. [Ali Mohammad] Basharti, [Minister] were explaining. After the meeting three months ago of the general meeting of the [Metro Company] and giving currency and rials, the progress of the work has been better and faster. There is a lot of hope that by the end of the year, the Karaj-Tehran and Azadi [= Sadeghieh] line will be completed up to Imam Square. Although Mohsen is not hopeful!! Today, on the occasion of the birth of Imam Baqir (a.s.), they started laying rails and I also tightened a screw.

We arrived at the office a little late. [Mr. Chiao Shi], the Speaker of the Chinese Parliament, who came to meet and was waiting, talked about the development of relations and not accepting American pressure. The negotiations were friendly and ceremonial. In the evening, we had a meeting of the government board to discuss the budget; We dealt more with the issues that the program and budget organization and the ministers had not reached an agreement with. I stayed in my office at night. I slept late.