Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Hassan Qashqavi said on Monday that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games due to be held on Sept. 6-17.

Ahmadinejad's visit to China is aimed at highlighting great ability of the athletes suffering from disability, Qashqavi was quoted as saying.

Ahmadinejad's visit would be an opportunity for senior officials of the two countries to hold talks on issues of mutual interest, Qashqavi said.

Iranian female athletes, with physical disabilities will for the first time participate in the Paralympic Games, Iran's official IRNA news agency reported on Sunday.

The Iranian athletes will compete in track and field, shooting and table tennis.

(Xinhua News Agency September 2, 2008)