Iran's Rouhani says Peugeot, Renault deals possible on Europe trip

TEHRAN – Agence France-Presse

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani attends a joint press conference with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping after their meeting at the Saadabad Palace in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

Iran will probably sign contracts with automakers Peugeot and Renault, President Hassan Rouhani said on Jan. 25 as he headed to Europe seeking to capitalise on Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers.

"Important contracts will probably be signed on this trip including with Peugeot and Renault," Rouhani told reporters at Mehrabad Airport before leaving Tehran, according to state television's website.
 
The Jan. 25- Jan. 27 tour takes place just over a week after the nuclear deal came into force, allowing the United States and the European Union to lift economic sanctions in exchange for Tehran curbing its nuclear activities.
 
A large delegation of 100 political and economic leaders, including the ministers of oil, transport, industry and health will accompany the president.
 
"We need to modernise our aviation fleet and buy locomotives," the Iranian president said.
 
Transport Minister Abbas Akhoundi said on Jan. 24 Iran would buy 114 Airbus planes during the president's visit to Paris.
 
"This trip takes place ... at a historic moment" and "we should make best use of the post-nuclear- deal atmosphere for growth, development and youth employment," Rouhani added.
 
Iran needs annual foreign investment of $30-$50 billion to reach an eight percent growth target and cash in on sanctions relief, the president said last week.
 
In Italy on Jan. 25 and Jan. 26, Rouhani will meet Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.
 
After meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican, he will be in France on Jan. 27 to meet President Francois Hollande.
 
On the European tour, Iran is to "review and agree on two important documents" that will act as "roadmaps" for mid- and long-term relations with Italy and France, Rouhani said.
 
"We have had friendly relations with Italy and France in the past, and we want to continue our good relations with them," he said.