French FM to visit Iran soon: Envoy

According to Ahani, the visit by Jean-Marc Ayrault is going to coincide with the first Iran-France Joint Economic Commission meeting.

He said that the joint economic commission will be co-chaired by Ayrault and his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif.

By relying on its strong industrial, agricultural and transportation infrastructures, the Islamic Republic can be France's permanent economic partner, Ahani said.

Relations between Iran and France entered new chapter following the implementation of the nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and the visit last year to Paris by President Hassan Rouhani, he said.

The upcoming visit by the French foreign minister will have positive effects on bilateral relations between the two nations, said the Iranian envoy to Paris.

Big French banks are wary of likely US punishments, he said.

'This is going to prevent development of economic ties between the two nations and should be addressed by exercising prudence,' Ahani said.

1430**2044