Europe's senior officials start visits to Iran after nuclear deal
By Sara Rajabova
Following the recent nuclear deal between the six world powers and Iran, European countries have lined up to restore relations and trade with the Islamic Republic.
High-ranking officials from Europe have begun to visit Iran to restore relations with Tehran previously halted as a result of its nuclear energy program.
Following Germany’s economy minister, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius has also announced a plan to visit Iran next week.
Fabius announced his plan on July 21, refraining from giving further details about his Iran trip. However according to his aides, the top French diplomat would likely travel to Iran next Wednesday, Press TV reported.
Fabius told French radio that the trip will take place at the invitation of his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif.
“I was invited before but didn’t go, but now I think everything is in place for me to go,” he said, adding that he would also meet with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.
Representatives from the French employers’ federation, MEDEF, are also set to visit Iran in September.
Many Western companies have been awaiting the final result of the talks between Iran and the P5+1, looking for enhanced trade opportunities in the country.
Sigmar Gabriel, Germany’s economy minister and deputy to Chancellor Angela Merkel, traveled to Iran on July 19 for high-level economic and trade talks with Iranian officials.
Gabriel said in a statement that the conclusion of the nuclear deal had laid the groundwork for “normalizing economic ties with Iran.”
Head of the German Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Eric Schweitzer, who accompanied the minister, called the trip "an encouraging sign" for companies barred from doing business with Tehran over Western sanctions.
The Islamic Republic has been under international sanctions for the several years over its nuclear energy program.
The West has claimed Iran’s nuclear program aims to develop a nuclear weapon, however, Tehran has denied all accusations, saying its nuclear program is peaceful.
After the long-lasting negotiations to solve the nuclear dispute, Iran and the P5+1 countries – the United States, Britain, France, China and Russia plus Germany – succeeded to reach a final agreement in Vienna on July 14.
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Sara Rajabova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on
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