The reception accorded to the Queen was conducted with full ceremonial honors. As Her Majesty stepped onto the airport grounds, a unit of the French Armed Forces rendered military honors in recognition of her position and the close relations existing between the two countries. After receiving the salute, Queen Farah reviewed the honor guard and exchanged greetings with the officials gathered to welcome her. She then departed for the French capital, where an extensive program of cultural and official engagements awaited her.
Accompanying Her Majesty during the visit were several distinguished Iranian officials, among them Dr. Manouchehr Eqbal, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Managing Director of the National Iranian Oil Company, and Lieutenant General Mohammad Khademi, Managing Director of Iran National Airlines. Their presence underscored the important role played by their respective organizations in the creation and operation of the House of Iran.
The centerpiece of the Queen’s visit was the official inauguration of the House of Iran, located on the world-famous Champs-Élysées. The ceremony attracted a remarkable gathering of political leaders, diplomats, artists, intellectuals, and business figures from both Iran and France. Among the distinguished guests were André Malraux, France’s celebrated Minister of Cultural Affairs and one of the most influential intellectuals of the twentieth century; Madame Couve de Murville, wife of the French Prime Minister; Prince Karim Aga Khan; and the internationally renowned Spanish artist Salvador Dalí.
