FM Araghchis remarks on visit to France

My visit to Paris is a continuation of the consultations and exchanges we have been conducting with this country on various issues including bilateral regional nuclear and European matters such as Ukraine.

My visit to Paris is a continuation of the consultations and exchanges we have been conducting with this country on various issues, including bilateral, regional, nuclear, and European matters such as Ukraine.

 

Naturally, we have differences of view with France on various issues; nevertheless, political dialogue has always been ongoing. This year, in New York and on the margins of the General Assembly, we also held extensive discussions, and more recently the Presidents of the two countries held a telephone conversation.

 

Dialogue is a necessary and self-evident element in international relations. Being informed of one another’s positions and preventing misunderstandings and miscalculations have always been important and are among the principal objectives of such exchanges.

 

In bilateral relations, the matter of Ms. Esfandiari’s release has recently been one of the important issues between us, and—by the grace of God—is now in its final stages. Certain problems and impediments existed in the manner in which the embassies of the two countries were operating, and it was decided that these be resolved.

 

On the nuclear issue, we held extensive discussions, and I explained the positions of our country. At present, a balanced and equitable negotiation is not possible due to the approach of the United States.

 

The Islamic Republic of Iran has always been prepared for negotiations, and we have never abandoned the diplomatic arena; however, negotiation has its own rules, and it can only be conducted—or be successful—if those rules are observed.