President Hassan Rouhani called for the quick formulation of a "roadmap" for collaboration between Iran and France, stressing that Tehran is ready to cooperate with Paris in a wide range of areas including transportation, science and modern applications of nuclear technology.
Rouhani made the remarks in a meeting with French President Francois Hollande in New York on Sunday on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, according to the website of the presidential office.
On the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (the official title of the July 14 nuclear pact with major powers including France), he said, "All parties have to fulfill their commitments so that the agreement will be put into place and its foundations are fortified."
Highlighting Iran's unique geographical location, educated human resources, untapped energy potential as well as its being a center of stability and security in the Middle East, Rouhani reiterated that Iran welcomes expansion of political, economic, and cultural ties with France.
Referring to common views of Iran and France on some regional issues, he said, "Both countries can increase their consultations on fighting terrorism and restoring peace and stability to Syria, Yemen and Lebanon."
Expressing gratitude to the French government for offering sympathy over the death of Iranian pilgrims in the Thursday crush tragedy in Mecca, Rouhani stressed that "the Saudi government has to carry out its ethical and legal duties."
The French president believes if it were not because of the negotiating teams' good intention, no deal would be clinched, and now it is time all parties focused their efforts on full implementation of the JCPOA.
"We have to develop Tehran-Paris ties to an acceptable level step by step. The French government is determined to boost cooperation with Iran," Hollande stated.
He noted that Iran is a major regional player and its role in helping defuse conflicts cannot be overlooked.
Pointing to the deplorable conditions of the displaced Syrian and Yemeni families, he expressed hope that during Rouhani's upcoming visit to Paris both sides can explore ways of deepening bilateral cooperation to help address regional challenges.
Japan’s Economic Assistance
In a separate meeting with Rouhani on Sunday, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said, “We are willing to assist Iran in developing its economy which explains why the Japanese private firms’ interaction with their Iranian counterparts and the implementation of their trade agreements will be fully supported by the government.”
Describing Japan as a strategic trade partner, Rouhani said sound political, economic and cultural relations between the two countries pave the way for increased cooperation in such areas as transportation, scientific research and nuclear energy.
According to Rouhani, the surest strategy to root out terrorism is to strive to improve people’s standard of living in the crisis-hit Middle East region so extremist groups cannot take advantage of people’s poverty to force them into terrorist activities.
The Japanese leader expressed condolences over the death and injury of a large number of Iranian pilgrims in Mecca last week.
Italy Delegation to Visit
Rouhani also met Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi on the same day, in which the two sides talked about new vistas that will open up in the post-sanctions era, stressing that practical steps should be taken to speed up efforts to make up for setbacks in the past and strengthen cooperation between Iran and the European Union, especially Italy.
Referring to ample opportunities in various sectors such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, transportation and industries and mining, Rouhani said Iran welcomes investment by Italian companies and transfer of their cutting-edge technology.
On the prospect of Tehran-Rome relations, Renzi stressed that his country is set to send a large and important delegation to Tehran with representatives from various sectors including environment, automobile manufacturing, oil and gas, medical equipment and mining.
“I will emphasize that the Italian companies focus on managing their projects with the help of Iranian companies and engage in joint activities to have a strong presence in global markets.”
The president held meetings with other world leaders on the margins of the ongoing UNGA on Sunday, including Senegal’s Macky Sall, Ecuador’s Rafael Correa, Bolivia’s Evo Morales as well as Afghan Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah and Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu.
