Rouhani heads to France as Iran rebuilds relations with Europe

ROME // Hassan Rouhani wraps up his visit to Italy on Wednesday before heading to France on the second leg of a trip signalling the dramatic rapprochement between Tehran and the European powers since the lifting of sanctions against Iran.

The Iranian president’s visit to Paris is expected to result in the signing of important business contracts, after sealing multibillion dollar deals in Italy.

A major order for 114 Airbus planes to modernise Iran Air’s ageing fleet is expected to be confirmed in France, along with tie-ups with carmakers Peugeot and Renault.

Before heading to Paris, Mr Rouhani will conclude his two-day trip to Rome with a visit to the Colosseum with Dario Franceschini, the Italian culture minister.

The president is accompanied by a delegation of more than 100 ministers, officials and businessmen marking the return of Iran on the international economic stage with the lifting of sanctions after a historic deal over Tehran’s nuclear programme.

Mr Rouhani, 67, was elected in 2013 on a pledge to end sanctions and improve relations with the West.

The Iranian leader on Monday met with his Italian counterpart Sergio Mattarella and prime minister, Matteo Renzi, with whom he attended the signing of several economic agreements in the setting of the Capitole.

Italian officials said contracts signed in Rome would be worth up to €17 billion (Dh67.8bn), underlining the huge economic stakes involved in Iran’s reopening, particularly for Europe’s manufacturing and engineering sectors.

Mr Rouhani will meet Francois Hollande, the President, and French business leaders on Thursday.

* Agence France-Presse