Iran eying Peugeot, Renault contracts as Rouhani heads to Europe

PanARMENIAN.Net - Iran will probably sign contracts with automakers Peugeot and Renault, President Hassan Rouhani said Monday, January 25 as he headed to Europe seeking to capitalize on Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers, AFP reports.

"Important contracts will probably be signed on this trip including with Peugeot and Renault," Rouhani told reporters at Mehrabad Airport before leaving Tehran, according to state television's website.

The Monday-Wednesday tour takes place just over a week after the nuclear deal came into force, allowing the United States and the European Union to lift economic sanctions in exchange for Tehran curbing its nuclear activities.

"We need to modernize our aviation fleet and buy locomotives," the Iranian president said.

Transport Minister Abbas Akhoundi said on Sunday Iran would buy 114 Airbus planes during the president's visit to Paris. Iran needs annual foreign investment of $30-$50 billion to reach an eight percent growth target and cash in on sanctions relief, the president said last week.

In Italy on Monday and Tuesday, Rouhani will meet Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.

After meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican, he will be in France on Wednesday to meet President Francois Hollande.

On the European tour, Iran is to "review and agree on two important documents" that will act as "roadmaps" for mid- and long-term relations with Italy and France, Rouhani said.