Iran, France Ink 20 Trade, Construction Deals During Rouhani’s Visit

PARIS (Sputnik) — France and Iran signed a batch of 20 trade and construction agreements on Thursday during Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s trip to Paris, the French president’s office said.

Rouhani is in the French capital as part of a European tour to reenergize relations with the West following the lifting of nuclear-related sanctions from Tehran earlier this year. He also met with French President Francois Hollande.

The total worth of Iran’s agreements with France has not been revealed. Earlier this week, Rouhani traveled to Italy where he signed over $18-million-worth of contracts with Italian companies.

In Paris, Iran’s NIOC oil company inked a deal with French Total to sell Iranian crude oil to France. French aircraft maker Airbus will supply Iran’s flag-carrier Iran Air with 118 passenger planes. French Vinci construction firm has agreed with Iran to build terminals at Mashhad and Ispahan airports.

Earlier this month, the United Nations, the European Union and the United States lifted nuclear-related sanctions from Iran following Tehran's implementation of its obligations under the nuclear deal signed last July with six world powers to ensure the peaceful nature of its nuclear program. The move has restored the Islamic republic’s access to the global market.