France: Several Contracts to Be Signed During Iranian President's Visit

The French presidency has announced that during Hassan Rouhani's visit to France, several contracts and agreements will be signed in various fields. Iran and France have maintained their relations over the decades, including after the 1979 revolution. However, extensive international sanctions due to Tehran's nuclear program have impacted these relations, similar to many other European countries. During the nuclear negotiations, France adopted a relatively tough stance towards Iran, although ultimately Iran and the six world powers— the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France, and Germany— reached a comprehensive agreement. Laurent Fabius, the French Foreign Minister, stated that France's tough position would not affect relations with Tehran. Mr. Rouhani is set to travel with a political-economic delegation to Italy and then France next Saturday. François Hollande's office states that ministers and members of the delegations from both countries will sign agreements for cooperation in various fields, especially political, economic, air transport, health, and agriculture. Ali Ahani, Iran's ambassador to Paris, told Radio France Internationale (RFI) that Tehran expects a 'significant agreement' to emerge from Hassan Rouhani's visit. He mentioned areas such as automotive, energy, air transport, and railways as examples where contracts are expected to be signed. Reuters reports, citing officials in Paris, that France is keen to expand relations in sectors that have not been heavily impacted by U.S. and EU sanctions over the years, such as agriculture or home appliances. A delegation from the French employers' union, MEDEF, visited Iran last September, which led to the opening of a business expansion office in Tehran. The French government has also asked the United States to guarantee European companies that they will not be penalized if sanctions on Iran are reinstated. Recently, Washington has urged global companies to refrain from rushing into trade and investment contracts in Iran until the sanctions are fully lifted.