Rouhani hails 'new chapter' in Iranian-French ties

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has hailed "a new chapter" in French-Iranian relations, during his visit to Paris to discuss trade ties.

Rouhani hopes to agree several deals, including with French aircraft manufacturer Airbus for 100 planes, the BBC reported on Thursday.

Meanwhile, French carmaker Peugeot said it had agreed a joint venture in Iran worth 400 million euros ($436m).

Rouhani's Europe tour comes after the lifting of international sanctions over Iran's nuclear programme.

His five-day visit to Italy and France is the first by an Iranian president in nearly two decades.

The Iranian president was greeted by French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius during a welcome ceremony on Thursday at the Invalides monument in Paris.

Rouhani said: "The time is ripe for both countries to enhance their relations.

"Diplomacy at the negotiating table can be quite effective - it can through logic and prudence... resolve problems," he said. "Today we should make use of the post-sanctions era."

Meanwhile, French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said he expected the two sides to agree deals in health, agriculture and the environment.

Iran is likely to need hundreds of new aircraft in the coming years as it re-establishes commercial air travel previously restricted by the sanctions.

Iranian state TV said that as part of the deal with Airbus, 100 planes would be delivered to Iran over four years.

Meanwhile, French manufacturer Peugeot said it had signed a joint venue with local carmaker Khodro to manufacture cars in Iran.

Pierre Gattaz, head of France's Medef employers association, said he also expected deals to be signed with French railway operator SNCF, and aluminium company Fives.

"Iranians need everything. The country is not starting from scratch, it's got a very educated workforce, a real development potential," Gattaz told reporters.

Source: MENA