MNA– France’s economy minister has voiced readiness of Paris to contribute to modernization of Iran’s rail industry.


Speaking at a meeting with the French Minister of Economy and Finance Michel Sapin, Iran’s Minister of Roads and Urban Development Abbas Ahmad Akhundi said the country sought long-term relations with the European Union.

The contract signed for purchasing Airbus aircraft is also a long-term one as deliveries will last for 20 years, said the official urging both sides to prepare for enduring collaborations.

Akhundi said Tehran-Paris ties were not limited to trading goods rather Iran was seeking to form long-running relations with France in all sectors.

He enumerated previously taken measures like the finalized contract with Airbus, investment of France in Mashhad airport as well as purchasing radar units from Thales Company saying “talks are also underway to upgrade ten existing PSR and SSR radars with the French company.”

On financing of the projects, the Iranian roads minister said a political decision was required and both parties had to pursue dialogues with higher flexibility and better understanding of each other.

Akhundi, while recalling that Iran’s deal with Boeing had reached conclusions earlier than the one with Airbus said “the American aircraft manufacturer had fully accepted support services while an Iranian delegation will travel to France next week to begin relevant talks with Airbus.”

He said Tehran and Paris could also join hands in the field of road, rail and sea transport asserting “we can also launch serious negotiations on the logistics between Iran and Europe and Central Asia.”

The official invited France to provide Iran with clear proposals for leasing and financing of the project to renew the Iranian rail fleet.

Abbas Akhundi also touched upon the country’s intention to renew the road fleet as well as the plan to replace 65 thousand old trucks urging French companies to launch partnership in these projects.

Later at the meeting, the French Economy Minister Michel Sapin said his country was fully committed to implementation of the huge contract for aircraft sales adding “all French authorities and firms are after active participation in Iranian projects.”

He also encouraged both parties to make firm decisions and take proper steps towards bolstering banking relations.

Mr. Sapin said his country was after cooperation with Iran in all fields clarifying that the French delegation was staying in Iran in order to ink durable and lasting contracts.

He voiced his country’s satisfaction towards the contract for selling 100 Airbus aircraft to Iran calling for similar prospects in other contracts.

The French economy minister further maintained that the contract with ATR had been finalized and the ordered airplanes had been manufactured and were pending delivery.

Michel Sapin also pointed to support services by Airbus and ATR manufacturers explaining “good engine producers are present in France and are all willing to cooperate with Iran.”

At the end of his remarks, he reassured that relevant talks will be held with Airbus and the outcomes will be handed over to Iran.