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                 Rouhani Hails Turn in French-Iranian Relations

   by VOA News

   Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Iran is ready to "turn the page
   for a new relationship" with France, as leaders of the two countries
   were expected to sign trade agreements following the lifting of
   international sanctions imposed over its nuclear program.

   "We had strong signs that France wanted an agreement and with this
   official visit, it shows that France has the ambition for this
   collaboration and I as well," he told a group of French business
   leaders during a forum Thursday.

   "I am saying it loud and clear from my side, in my name and in the name
   of my government that this is also our intention."
   WATCH: Iranian President's comment about bilateral relations with Paris
   
   ''Business deals
   During his time in Paris, the Iranian leader is expected to agree to a
   deal to buy over 100 passenger planes from European aircraft maker
   Airbus, to update its aging fleet.

   French officials also say he is expected to approve an agreement paving
   the way for a joint venture with French car manufacturer Peugeot
   Citroen and the Iranian firm Khodro.

   Under the deal, Peugeot, which pulled out of Iran in 2012, will
   modernize a Khodro factory near Tehran. The joint venture is expected
   to begin producing 200,000 vehicles a year starting in 2017.

   Agreements in health, agriculture and the environment are also
   expected. He was expected to meet later Thursday with French President
   Francois Hollande.

   Protests
   Activists greeted the Iranian leader with protests, notably over
   executions in Iran. In one demonstration, a woman dangled from a Paris
   bridge in a mock hanging, with an Iranian flag painted on her chest.

   ''

   Rouhani's visit to France is the first by an Iranian president since
   1999 and comes as part of a five-day trip that included a stop in Rome,
   where he signed and estimated $18 billion in deals for steel and
   pipelines.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/iran-president-hails-turn-in-french-i
   ranian-relations/3166571.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/iran-president-hails-turn-in-french-iranian-relations/3166571.html