Rouhani and Hollande Agree to Expand Iran-France Relations

Hassan Rouhani and Francois Hollande, the presidents of Iran and France, agreed on Thursday, July 23, during a phone call to expand bilateral cooperation between Tehran and Paris. According to Reuters, Hollande stated in the conversation with Rouhani that France wishes for Iran to play a constructive role in Middle Eastern crises following the Vienna nuclear agreement. The phone call between the two presidents took place a week before French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius's visit to Iran. The Iranian presidential website reported that Rouhani highlighted the extensive capabilities of both Iran and France for expanding cooperation, stating that the two countries have missed many opportunities to deepen and develop relations over the past ten years, and now is the time to make up for the past. Rouhani also referred to the Vienna nuclear agreement, saying that 'the commitment of both parties to fulfill their obligations is the main factor for the success of the ongoing implementation of the negotiations, and the members of the 1+5 group must work on the implementation of the next steps of the nuclear agreement.' The Iranian president also addressed the regional situation, stating that 'Iran seeks cooperation and efforts from European countries, including France, to combat terrorist groups in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen.' The report adds that Hollande mentioned during the call: 'We can further develop our cooperation in the fields of energy, oil, and aviation.' Laurent Fabius is scheduled to visit Tehran next Wednesday. Additionally, Federica Mogherini, the EU's foreign policy chief, is set to visit Iran on August 1. A sixty-member German delegation also visited Iran on July 19, just five days after the announcement of the nuclear agreement. The office of the Austrian president also announced on Thursday that Heinz Fischer will visit Tehran on September 7, accompanied by senior officials and representatives of companies from his country.