French FM Makes Landmark Visit to Iran
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – France’s Foreign Minster Lauren Fabius arrived in Tehran on Wednesday morning two weeks after finalization of the text of a nuclear pact between Iran and major world powers that put the spotlight on the Islamic Republic.
Fabius is going to hold meeting with senior Iranian officials during his stay in Tehran.
The visit takes place after Iran and the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany) on July 14 finalized the text of a lasting agreement on Tehran’s nuclear program, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
In a statement, the French Foreign Ministry hailed Fabius’ visit as “the first visit to Iran by a French foreign minister in 12 years.”
“The visit represents a resumption of the political dialogue between France and Iran at the highest level. All subjects relating to French-Iranian relations will be on the table, including regional issues and the challenges of the COP21 climate conference,” the statement added.
In an interview with IRIB on the eve of his planned visit to Tehran on Tuesday, Fabius said France made lots of efforts for the conclusion of negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program, saying the achievement was obtained through a “constructive strictness” in the talks.
He also said Iran and France, as two big powers, have responsibilities for establishing peace and stability in the Middle East.