Hollande: Rouhani to visit France at end of January

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani will visit France at the end of January, his French counterpart Francois Hollande announced Friday, two months after his original trip was delayed due to the November 13 terror attacks in Paris.

Ties between Iran and Europe warmed considerably after world powers and the Islamic republic reached an agreement in July on the latter’s nuclear program. Years of sanctions over the rogue program are to be lifted in return for stringent oversight of Iran’s atomic activity.

In September, France opened a business development office in Tehran, seeking to renew once-strong economic ties with Iran in the face of “fierce competition.”

French Agriculture Minister Stephane Le Foll warned that French companies face “fierce competition” from other European and American firms seeking a post-deal slice of the Iranian market with its 79 million population.

Rouhani said ahead of the anticipated November trip, which was also to include Italy and the Vatican, that Iran would probably sign a deal to buy Airbus aircraft during his time in France.

Iranian Transport Minister Abbas Akhoundi said in September that Iran was talking to both Airbus and Boeing to acquire aircraft under lease or sale/leaseback deals by 2020. He gave no details.

Iran has desperately wanted to upgrade its aging fleet, which has been hamstrung by nuclear-related and other sanctions, making even spare parts difficult to source.