Rouhani says wants to “turn the page” in Iran-France relationsJanuary 28, 2016 - 16:58 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - President Hassan Rouhani hailed a "new relationship" between Iran and France during a visit Thursday, January 28 that saw the signing of a host of post-sanctions business deals, AFP reports. "Let us forget the resentment," Rouhani said, calling for both countries to take advantage of the "positive atmosphere" following the removal of sanctions over the Islamic Republic's nuclear program. "We are ready to turn the page" and establish a "new relationship between our countries", Rouhani told a meeting of business leaders. French Prime Minister Manuel Valls responded that "Iran can count on France". "France is ready to use its companies, its engineers, its technicians and its many resources to help to modernise your country," Valls said. The real business of the visit will come when Rouhani officially signals Iran's intention to buy more than 100 passenger planes from European aircraft maker Airbus. French carmaker Peugeot said it will return to the Iranian market in a five-year deal worth 400 million euros ($436 million) that was announced Thursday, AFP says. Peugeot will produce 200,000 cars a year in a joint venture with local manufacturer Iran Khodro, according to a statement. Rouhani is to hold talks with President Francois Hollande which are expected to include discussions on Iran's role in Syria, where it is backing President Bashar al-Assad in a war that has killed 260,000 people. Talks are due to begin Friday in Geneva to take tentative steps towards ending the conflict. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | About 32,000 rally in Yerevan to deman Pashinyan’s resignation About 31,700 people attended an opposition rally on Thursday, May 9 in Yerevan demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Armenian, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister to meet in Almaty Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov will meet in Almaty. Viva-MTS: Tech solutions to modernize infrastructure of border village The border village has been the focus of Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values since 2015. Ucom's fixed network launched in Artashat To mark this occasion, the company has introduced a special offer exclusively for Artashat residents. |