The two sides discussed the role of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in developing and deepening relations between Tehran and Paris.
Rouhani said the Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to develop relations with France in all fields of mutual, regional and international interest.
Rouhani referred to French President Macron's coming official visit to Tehran next year, saying “Iran and France could take a greater step forward in strengthening relations in all areas of mutual interest”.
“The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is the only reference to declare Iran's commitment to fulfill its obligations, and mixing multilateral and international commitments with domestic disagreements of the US can be very dangerous for global confidence,” said Dr Rouhani referring to Washington's possible decisions and the French President's emphasis on the European Union and Paris’ supporting the JCPOA and the need for all parties to full implementation of its provisions.
Dr Rouhani also stressed that any action taken by the president of the United States against the JCPOA means undermining a multilateral agreement. “The JCPOA is in no way negotiable, and all parties must adhere to their obligations and the President or the Congress of the United States must not be allowed to take actions against it."
"Unfortunately, US government does not wish to be committed not only to the JCPOA, but also to other international obligations and regulations, an act that seriously undermines the principle of the negotiating table in the global stage," Rouhani noted.
"JCPOA is the basis of trust between Iran and the 5+1 and the stronger this agreement is, the stronger the basis for dialogue and negotiation on other issues with the European Union would be," said Dr Rouhani, adding that Iran is committed to its commitments in the JCPOA and continues its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The president emphasized “the European Union and Iran must work together to counteract malicious and incorrect acts against the JCPOA."
The French president, for his part, emphasized that Paris is determined to deepen its ties with Tehran in all areas of mutual interest.
Emmanuel Macron referred to US’ attempts to undermine the JCPOA saying "the European Union and France will defend the JCPOA decisively and we are fully committed to it, and we urge Iran, in spite of Washington's efforts, to continue to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency and stay committed to its commitments."
He said that he would head an official high-level French delegation visiting the Islamic Republic of Iran next year, saying “there is a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issues that I would like to discuss with Iranian officials during the trip."
The French president also described the White House’s policies towards the JCPOA the result of internal disagreements in Washington, calling on Washington to remain committed to its commitments.
LR/PR