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Economic agreements gradually paved way for more political discussions as Iranian President Hassan Rouhani left Italy for France, political analyst Mehdi Motaharnia said.

“What is noteworthy is the way Rouhani was greeted in Rome and Paris, that is, these countries’ approach to Iran’s doctrine of constructive relations, which found strategic depth after the JCPOA [Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, aka nuclear deal],” the political expert told Trend Jan. 29.

“Rouhani’s trip was a genius choice for having included Rome and Paris. It carried a clear message. Iran wants to engage in effective cooperation with world according to a set outlook. It tries to put aside the pre-JCPOA risks, as well as that era’s challenges with regional and other counties,” Motaharnia underlined.

“Iran is keeping in mind those experiences and now has adopted a clear outlook for constructive cooperation aimed at creating mutual, effective relations, best exhibited in trips to places as special as Rome and Paris.”

The analyst also said it was in Paris that world order issues were discussed, the most salient topic of the talks being Iran-France cooperation against terrorism.

“Rouhani’s meeting with the Pope was especially important, for Rouhani is at the same time a cleric, a member of [Iran’s] Assembly of Experts, as well as the second man in Iran according to the constitution,” Motaharnia stated. “He is the executive representative of a government that claims religious rule in Iran.”

“Meeting the Catholic leader, against the backdrop of a blind fundamentalism that tries to introduce religion as a narcotic and a violence-boosting phenomenon, can lay ground for more Tehran-Rome cooperation toward presenting a more official view of religion,” he added.

President Rouhani wrapped up his four-day visit to Italy and France by leaving Paris for Tehran on Jan. 28 night.

During his visit to Italy, Rouhani kick-started the two countries’ relations in political, economic, cultural, tourism, scientific and technological fields.

Iran and Italy signed a total of 14 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) and agreed on a joint cooperation roadmap.

The Iranian president met his Italian counterpart and prime minister in Rome, as well as the world’s Catholic Leader Pope Francis in Vatican.

President Rouhani was accompanied by a group of representatives of Iran's private sector during his visit to Rome. He also met with Italian businessmen.

While on a visit to France, Rouhani met with his French counterpart Francois Hollande.

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