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