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eview -- even if it is ultimately unsuccessful --
could complicate Rouhani's low-key visit. About
20 accords between companies and ministries
were to be signed Thursday, the French
president's office said.
Paris also wants to draw Tehran into a role as
peacemaker in a Middle East that is fraught with
civil war in Syria, where Iran has played an
active role in support of President Bashar Assad,
and in Yemen.
There was little fanfare in France for the new era
being ushered in for Iran as Rouhani works to
help his nation of 80 million emerge from
isolation and raise its profile in the West,
balancing ties with Russia and China. His Paris
visit will be marked by a two-hour meeting with
President Francois Hollande and ministers.
France, which has deep ties with Arab countries,
also conducts a balancing act in the region. Last
week, Fabius visited Sunni-majority Saudi
Arabia, Iran's fierce rival, and Paris will shortly
welcome the Saudi crown prince.