FM: Tehran To Improve Ties With Paris

Paris, Nov 6, IRNA – Foreign Minister Mohammad-Javad Zarif said in Paris on Tuesday that the Islamic Republic of Iran is willing to improve relations with France in light of the two countries traditional ties. Talking to IRNA, Zarif said that Iran and France have the background of extensive cultural, political and economic ties which have been downgraded. Zarif, who will meet his French counterpart said that the two sides would hold talks to help better relations on the eve of the nuclear talks due to be held in Geneva on Thursday. Outlining goals of his visit to France, he said that the ground should be prepared for expansion of Iran-France ties with respect to the latest developments on mutual respect. He noted that he would attend as special guest of the UNESCO director general at UNESCO Leaders’ Forum. He said his address to the UNESCO Forum will focus on culture and sustainable development and the role of culture in sustainable development. The Islamic Republic of Iran has always had serious and special planning towards culture and its role, to make the world free from violence. On Dialogue Among Civilizations, he said Iran is frontrunner in the field, being fully aware of the role and importance of culture and international relations as well as role of culture as a driving force for sustainable development./end