President Rouhani is in Paris after he departed Rome for French capital on Wednesday arriving at evening. This is part of Rouhani’s visit to Europe which had been suspended by the Paris terrorist attacks earlier on November 2015.
Gérard Larcher is the first French high-ranking official with whom President Rouhani sat to discuss issues of mutual interest as well as the latest development in the region. Rouhani believed both nations of Iran and France had been damaged by ‘cruel sanctions,’ to compensate which “we should work to make for the damage in trade and business.”
Rouhani turned to a theme of crucial important to his foreign policy entourage, namely, nuclear agreement, which he now was more confident with the implementation of JCPOA and opening global vistas before an economy hit by sanctions; “JCPOA was a unique and historic event in the history of diplomacy which clearly demonstrated the place of diplomacy in solving the most complex issues of concern for all,” Rouhani commented. “Such approach, as constructive as it is, would be also of interest in solving pressing issues of the region and the international community, especially terrorism which has plagued the region,” he asserted.
“Now, we have a great historic mission to work with all countries closely to address and tackle terrorism which is a common threat for Europe as well as the Middle East; the region is mired on a dangerous situation; I was shocked by Paris terrorist attacks and sorrow-stricken as well. Terrorism is a highly contagious virus extending its tentacle-like arms to the farthest cities of Europe,” Rouhani told French official. “The Islamic Republic of Iran emphasizes upon fighting terrorism, but believes decision over this should not divide the unity over the fight among countries in the region.”
On instability in the region especially Lebanon, Rouhani believed that political dialogue should be given weight in bringing stability; “in this venue, different Lebanese factions and political parties should agree as soon as possible on electing a president who would form a strong government and to save Lebanon,” he suggested.
On parliamentary relations, president voiced his cabinet’s willingness to support extending of ties between two Parliaments.
The hosting Gérard Larcher welcomed Rouhani’s visit to Paris and reiterated his country’s resolve to improve relations with Iran in all fields of interest; “we see a clear perspective for bilateral ties,” Larcher emphasized, who lavished praise upon Iran’s ‘crucial role’ in hitting nuclear deal with 5+1; “removal of sanctions creates excellent grounds for Paris-Tehran relations and France will use the situation in line with interests of both nations,” he told Rouhani.
“End of sanctions has promise of a strong relations for both countries and we see agreements on trade and other fields in positive light,” Larcher asserted, who reiterated Rouhani’s emphasis on fighting terrorism and said that France would put confidence on Iran’s constructive role in solving crises and fighting terrorism in the Middle East.
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