Iran "likely" to order Airbus aircraft: Rouhani

Tehran would order Airbus aircraft during Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's state visit to Paris next week, a deal that could generate billions of euros to the struggling French economy and open promising market to domestic products, local medias reported on Wednesday.

In an interview with local broadcaster Europe 1 and state-run France 2 TV channel, Rouhani said "big companies, including Airbus, are present in Iran. We will buy from these large companies, including Airbus".

"If the conditions are met, our buyers will acquire probably Airbus aircraft. In few days we will sign several agreements that form the basis of our trade agreement," the Iranian top official added.

In a statement, French President Francois Hollande's office said "several accords will be signed by French and Iranian ministers covering a variety of sectors, in particular political dialogue, economic cooperation, air transport, health and agriculture".

At the invitation of Hollande, Rouhani will pay a state visit to the French capital on Nov. 17, making him the first Iranian leader to visit the country since 1999.

After an accord had been struck on Iranian nuclear programme in July, France vowed to open a new chapter with Tehran and renew business links with the country where there is a huge appetite for consuming foreign goods.

In mid-September, a delegation of 100 French business leaders, including oil group, Total, Airbus and car maker Peugeot flew to Iran in a bid to set a groundwork for business accords. Endit