Iranian, French Presidents Hold Talks on Phone

In their talks on Sunday evening, President Hassan Rouhani and Emmanuel Macron voiced determination to build strong and stable relations between the two countries.

"The decision of the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran is to establish stable ties with France, which undoubtedly contributes to long-standing, friendly relations between the two nations," the Iranian president’s official website quoted him as saying.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to consult with France in all matters of economic, cultural and political affairs," he added.

Appreciating Paris' stance on the JCPOA, Rouhani said, "Tehran will live up to its commitments as long as the other sides fulfill their commitments."

The president then dismissed the notion of complementary negotiations to the JCPOA, saying, “Seven countries have come to an agreement and the UN Security Council has also confirmed it and Iran has fully complied with its commitments in the agreement, but unfortunately, the United States has continuously been sabotaging its implementation.”

Rouhani also hailed Iran-EU dialogue and cooperation on regional issues, saying such partnership has nothing to do with the JCPOA.

“Combatting terrorism and helping people around the world, especially in our region who are facing attacks and problems are among the issues on which Iran is ready to cooperate and consult with all countries of the world," Rouhani added.

Expressing concern about the spread of famine and contagious diseases in Yemen, as well as the bombing of defenseless civilians there, the Iranian president called for serious EU action to help the Yemeni people.

As regards Lebanon, Rouhani expressed the hope that all Lebanese parties could cooperate in a friendly, coordinated manner to mark a good and healthy election.

In the phone call, both Rouhani and Macron underscored the need for quick establishment of stability and peace in Syria, and voiced readiness to initiate and continue multilateral actions to reach the goal of stable Syria.

Rouhani said, "We are fully prepared to establish a multilateral partnership with other effective countries in the field of humanitarian assistance to the Syrian people.”

Rouhani also referred to Macron’s planned visit to Tehran and said, "We welcome this visit and believe that Tehran-Paris cooperation can have an impact on bilateral, regional and international issues.”

Macron also said, “I would like to establish clear, solid and stable relations with Iran… Paris has made all its efforts to defend the JCPOA, and we are clear and straightforward in this regard.”

The French president also called for cooperation between the two countries on ​​regional issues, particularly on Syria and Lebanon, saying Iran and France bear a heavy responsibility in dealing with the situation in the region.

"I have always emphasized that we do not favor a renegotiation on the JCPOA, but we are willing to discuss other issues," Macron added.

The French president also announced his country's interest in promoting an initiative in Syria to increase stability and peace in the Arab country, and called for Iran's involvement in the initiative.

A few hours after the telephone conversation, France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian arrived in Tehran for high-profile talks.