Tehran, March 12, IRNA – Minister of Cooperatives, Labor and Social Welfare Ali Rabiei said on Saturday that enhanced Iranian economic ties with EU members would help de-escalation and promote regional security and stability.


He made the remarks in a meeting with former French former prime minister and labor and social welfare minister Francois Fillon.

Rabiei said that many companies are operating under Social Security Organization which can grow their economic cooperation with their French counterparts.
He said that Iran and France enjoy longstanding ties and that a good opportunity has emerged for mutual cooperation in post-sanctions era.

Rabiei also recalled Iran's presence in Iraqi market and bolstering ties with Azerbaijan Republic, saying that Iran has a good status in the Afghan market as well.
'We have also signed a memorandum of understanding with Azerbaijan to set a joint venture pharmaceutical company two weeks ago, which will soon be implemented,' he said.

According to the Iranian minister, the biggest Persian Gulf oil and gas company with 49 percent of shares is a subsidiary of Social Security Organization, which can have good economic ties with French firms.

Given the spread of extremism in the region, Iran's interaction with European states can contribute to regional stability, he said.

Fillon, for his part, said that France has a different view towards Iran, differentiating it from other countries in the region.

Describing Iran as stable and calm state in the region, he said that Iranian government managed to promote peace and security nationwide.

The EU should have a different and independent attitude towards Iran, the French official said.

By IRNA