Tehran, July 29, IRNA - Minister of Road and Urban Development Abbas Akhundi said on Wednesday that Iran and France have started direct negotiations over purchase of new Airbus planes and their spare parts.

Following a meeting with visiting French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius in Tehran, he told reporters that during a recent visit to France, both sides discussed various transport projects.

On the meeting with Fabius, he said, 'We held satisfactory talks with the French Foreign Minister which we hope can help the new approach in the bilateral relations.'

'Iran and France have historical ties and our firms have long-standing relations in sea, rail and air transportation.'

The minister welcomed enhanced bilateral cooperation and said Iran and France can promote their ties in housing and urban development as well.

Fabius arrived in Tehran on Wednesday for a one-day visit during which he met his counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif, President Hassan Rouhani and other Iranian dignitaries.

By IRNA