French foreign minister launches charm offensive ahead of Iran visit
French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius has struck a friendly note toward Iran ahead of a planned visit to the Islamic Republic, where economic and political opportunities are perceived to abound following a diplomatic breakthrough in nuclear negotiations between Iran and the P5+1.
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“The French have always been enchanted by Iran and, particularly, the heritage of this ancient culture and the country’s share in the history of science and thought,” Fabius wrote in an exclusive op-ed in Iranian daily Iran on Tuesday.
“Iranian (university) students are also wondrous to us; they are the face of Iran in French universities and shine brilliantly,” he added.
Fabius’ visit to Iran will begin on Wednesday. The French foreign minister has said the trip will be taking place at the invitation of his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif. Fabius had announced his plan to visit Iran on July 21, following a landmark agreement between Iran and the six other countries – the US, France, China, the UK, Russia and Germany. A shift
In his article, titled “Joint Action for a More Secure World,” Fabius referred to the conclusion of the agreement between Iran and the P5+1, and said the diplomatic breakthrough marks a shift.
He said Iranian and French people involved in industrial activities have been cooperating with each other for a long time, adding, “New prospects have now emerged for both countries; and we can further proceed in economic cooperation.”
“Thus, the path is open for the resumption and continuation of bilateral dialog,” Fabius wrote, adding, “France… has always been engaged in relations with Iran based on respect and forthrightness – even when viewpoints differed.”
“It is with this mentality that I am traveling to Iran; and with that mentality, I will be raising all issues with Iranian officials,” he said.
“We will specially talk about issues of peace and security in the Middle East, a region fraught with a lot of tension,” he said.
“As an influential country, Iran can have a positive role in dealing with these crises and disasters,” he said.
“We want to take action for a more secure world, and it is necessary that Iran have its entire share in such a world. This is the message I am taking to Tehran,” the French foreign minister said.
The remarks by the French foreign minister come as, on particular occasions during the course of the negotiations between Iran and the P5+1, he was perceived to be adopting positions so hard-line that some observers partly blamed them for the prolongation of the talks.
Meanwhile, on Monday, French President Francois Hollande also said Iran should play an active part in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.
