Putin links his coughing at ASI forum to strong air conditioning in Tehran

MOSCOW. July 20 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin said he had caught a slight cold under an air conditioner during his visit to Tehran on Tuesday.

Putin periodically coughed at the forum Strong Ideas for a New Time, organized by the Agency for Strategic Initiatives (ASI), on Wednesday. He attributed that to the strong air conditioning in Tehran.

"It was very hot in Tehran yesterday, plus 38 [degrees Celsius], and the air conditioning was very strong there. So I apologize," the president said, wishing forum participants to "take care of their health."