“The two countries can expand cooperation on a new basis which includes mutual respect,” Mehmanparast told reporters on Thursday.
He pointed to Iran's “very strategic” position in the region and France’s special role in the European Union and added, “The two nations of Iran and France will benefit more from the expansion of bilateral ties.”
He emphasized that enhanced Tehran-Paris relations would have good impacts on the EU and the Middle East region.
The spokesperson assessed as “incorrect” former French president Nicolas Sarkozy’s policies regarding the Middle East and Iran.
“France’s [recent] election showed that Sarkozy’s policies have been based on wrong approaches, particularly regarding the Middle East and the issues pertaining to Iran; and that these policies have had a negative impact on the ties between the two countries and inflicted damage on French national interests,” Mehmanparast pointed out.
He expressed hope that new French President Francois Hollande will adopt positive measures to compensate for Sarkozy’s wrong performance.
Francois Hollande was elected president of France on May 6, narrowly defeating incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy, in a two-man run-off election after he gained roughly 52 percent to 48 percent of the vote.
press tv/281
Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast says Iran and France have great potential to strengthen their bilateral cooperation.
News ID 181812
