President Hassan Rouhani said the frequent visits of French political and economic delegations to Iran show the growing desire for expanding cooperation between Tehran and Paris.
In a meeting with French Senate President Gerard Larcher on Sunday, Rouhani said the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, as the nuclear deal reached between Iran and world powers last July is formally called, has served as a starting point for closer relations with France, IRNA reported.
The president said the removal of sanctions under the nuclear deal (expected in late January, 2016) would allow the two countries to capitalize on opportunities for economic cooperation.
Pointing to the Nov. 13 Paris terrorist attacks of the self-styled Islamic State terrorist group that left 130 people dead and hundreds more wounded, Rouhani said the tragedy showed that terrorism is a grave danger for the whole world.
"Terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda and IS are dreaming about dominating the Middle East, while some countries are providing them with money and arms," he said.
The president said if all countries join hands to block revenue streams of the terrorists and engage in a real battle against them, terrorists would be definitely eliminated.
On the five-year-long Syrian conflict, Rouhani said until terrorists are defeated and refugees are returned to their homes, talking about political reform in the country would be futile.
"If the political structure needs to be changed, it should be done through free elections and the desire of Syrian nation," he said.
Rouhani noted that Iran and France could engage in consultations to help solve regional crises, especially Syria.
Larcher said the achievements of French economic delegations in their travels to Iran show grounds are prepared for economic cooperation.
"French government and parliament attach great importance to the upcoming trip of Iranian President to Paris," he said, hoping the two countries would sign agreements that promote their nation's interests.
Rouhani will pay an official visit to Paris on January 27 and 28.
