Velayati calls for enhanced ties with France

Tehran, April 28, IRNA – Head of research center of Iranˈs Expediency council, Ali-Akbar Velayati on Sunday recommended enhanced ties between Iran and France. He made the remarks in a meeting with French Senator Philippe Marini, chairman of the Finance Committee of the French Senate. Velayati expressed hope that Iran and France would once again move towards positive and constructive relations based on mutual respect and equal rights. Velayati who had served as Iranˈs foreign minister for 16 years, referred to his meetings with top French officials in the past. He said that he still has friendly relations with former French foreign minister Roland Dumas. Velayati, also an advisor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on international affairs, remembered his meeting with former French president Nicolas Sarkozy at Elysee Palace some six years ago. The French senator, for his part, praised Iranˈs old civilization and culture. ˈ2014 will be a decisive year for you and us,ˈ Marini said. He said that the delegation that he is heading represents different political parties in France as it includes three representatives from the ruling party and three from the opposition. end