TEHRAN July 30(Shana)--An Iranian deputy petroleum minister says French companies have indicated their readiness to work with Iran's energy sector as Tehran and Paris are seeking new ways to expand energy ties.

Amir-Hossein Zamani-Nia, deputy minister for international affairs and trading, has said a French business delegation will visit Iran in the near future for holding talks with Iranian energy officials.
Speaking on the sidelines of a meeting between French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius with Iranian Petroleum Minister Bijan Zangeneh, Zamani-nia said the French official has invited Zangeneh to visit France to seek new energy ties with French companies.

Fabius’ visit to Iran is the first by a French foreign minister to the Islamic Republic in 12 years, reported PressTV.
Fabius’ visit to Iran has raised some criticisms in Iran, especially over France’s hard line towards Iran in the course of negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program.

Days before the conclusion of the talks on July 14, Fabius urged other negotiators to take a tough stance on Iran, insisting that Paris will not sign off on a deal if Tehran rules out inspections of its military sites as part of the final agreement.

By SHANA