Interests of Tehran, Rome and Paris

Following the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, a new round of relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and European countries has begun; relations which had been degraded to the lowest levels during the last decade and discourses that were only related to challenging political issues of the region without considering its economic, trade and cultural aspects.

The visit being made by Iran’s President to Italy and France, which was delayed due to the terrorist incidents in Paris, is very timely and looks to the future to compensate for the lost opportunities. Due to the pressures exerted by the US and European Union on Iran, there was no possibility to use all existing capacities between both sides in the past. Traditionally, relations between Iran and Europe in the political and economic arenas have always been good. Expanded cooperation between Iran and Germany, France and Italy cannot be compared with other countries of the world, with the exception of Japan.

This visit which has started in Rome and will continue in Paris is politically and economically very significant for both parties. Iran’s market and its neighboring countries which have made Iran the main gate to 15 countries is too attractive to be ignored. The presence of many delegations from different parts of the world in Iran during the past two years is proof of this issue. These visits, the last of which was the important visit made by China’s President, have been so interesting that they have even raised the jealousy of some of Iran’s neighbors which are not happy about Iran’s progress.

During Mr. Rouhani’s four-day visit, numerous contracts are to be signed between Iran and these two important countries of Europe. Using the capacity of joint investment in different sectors in Iran, transfer of technologies of the world, export of oil and non-oil goods could be the axis of negotiations and both sides can revive their traditional oil relations. It must be noted that due to the sanctions imposed on the oil sector during the past few years, the Islamic Republic of Iran has lost many of its oil customers. Furthermore, France and Italy have both had an active role in Iran’s oil fields and the opportunity to transfer new technologies in development of the South Pars projects is very significant.

Besides vast economic capacities, two examples of which were mentioned, regional developments, the issue of terrorism and narcotics are very important in the political negotiations between both sides. Based on the statements made by European officials, the Islamic Republic of Iran, as the most stable and key state of the region, is the desired partner of the European Union for political consultations; the opportunity which Europe easily lost during the last decade and has seen its consequences. As a region close to the Middle East, almost as a neighbor, Europe has common interests and concerns with Iran. Developments of this region could rapidly affect Europe. European officials have realized that they need a country like the Islamic Republic of Iran to safeguard their security, stability and consequently their development and to bypass economic depression. The visit made by Mr. Rouhani is a great opportunity to revive the traditional relations between Iran and the EU with a look to the future.