Rouhani made the remarks in a Monday meeting with Germany's Vice Chancellor and Economy and Energy Minister Sigmar Gabriel, who is heading a high-ranking delegation on a three-day visit to Iran.
“On the surface, it is said that the best way to build trust is the IAEA inspections, but more important than that is establishment of bilateral relations based on mutual respect,” the Iranian president said.
Rouhani added that Iran will remain committed to its responsibilities under the nuclear accord provided that the opposite side does so.
The Iranian president further underscored the need for expansion of ties between Tehran and Berlin in various fields of research, academics, tourism, economy, culture and politics, maintaining that closer ties between the two sides can bring together countries in the Middle East and Europe.
Gabriel, for his part, said German businesses are keen to return to Iran, noting that the current conditions are favorable for boosting economic cooperation between the two countries.
He also welcomed the nuclear agreement reached between Iran and the 5+1 in Vienna last week, saying that Germany regards the accord as a new starting point for Tehran-Berlin ties as well as the relations between Iran and European countries.
The German delegation arrived in Tehran on Sunday to hold high-level economic and trade talks with senior Iranian officials.