^{President officially welcomed by French counterpart}

^{28 - January 2016 - President Rouhani was officially received Thursday afternoon local time by his French counterpart François Hollande in Elysée Palace in Paris.}

^{In this ceremony, Hollande and Rouhani briefed and introduced the accompanying delegations to each other.}

^{The two sides went on to start their talks just after the protocols in the welcoming ceremony.} 

^{Presidents of Iran and France: We are determined to start a new chapter in Tehran-Paris ties}

^{Presidents of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of France stressed that the two countries are determined to start a new chapter in Tehran-Paris relations and that the new relations will be firmly established in all areas of common interest.}

^{Presidents Hassan Rouhani and President François Hollande said that the coming relations between the two countries should be established on a firm ground for the two nations to benefit from it.}

^{They made the remarks in the meeting of the high-ranking delegation of Iran and France late on Thursday.}

^{President Rouhani described France as a country with a great and effective nation in Europe and the world and said: “The Islamic Iran attach great importance to its ties with France and is ready to develop them in all fields to the benefit of both nations”.}

^{On the opportunity found in the post-JCPOA era, he added: “Achieving the nuclear agreement was not easy but the indicator of a serious and real resolve of both sides to move through a difficult stage”.}

^{“Sanctions were a lose-lose game for both countries but now it is time to compensate for the past and develop ties in all areas” he continued.}

^{Dr Rouhani also said: “Cementing cultural and academic ties between the two countries, coupled with transfer of experiences in tourism is necessary”.}

^{Referring to Late Imam Khomeini’s presence in Neauphle-le-Chateau, he said: “France reminds us of the Revolution and Imam Khomeini”.}

^{On terrorism, Rouhani also said: “The Iranian nation is one of major victims of terrorism in France; the Islamic Republic of Iran is serious in combatting terrorism and cooperation between the two countries in this field and other fields related to stability in the region is necessary”.}

^{In this meeting, President Hollande also referred to the post-JCPOA era and said: “The Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of France are two countries with great civilisations and they are determined to deepen ties with each other”.}

^{“Cutting of Iran-France relations in the past years have been to the detriment of both countries and we want to build a better future for the relations of both countries, a future which is based on mutual trust and friendship,” he added.}

^{He also said that major French corporations are ready to have active roles in Iran.}

^{He continued: “France is also ready to develop academic ties between the two countries and strengthening facilities and tools of universities is a part of that cooperation”.}

^{On regional and international issues, Hollande said: “Iran and France share the same view with Iran on most regional and international issues”.}

^{Source: http://president.ir/en/91650}