Special to WorldTribune.com

Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani told European news media on Nov. 11 that Iran has plans to renew trade with France in car manufacturing, agriculture, and aviation.

Rohani told France 2 television and Europe 1 radio that protocol agreements will be signed during his visit to Paris next week, and these will “constitute a basis” for renewed trade, according to a transcript of his interview in Tehran made available to the AP and AFP news agencies ahead of broadcast.

Related: Khamenei: ‘We will allow neither economic, nor political nor cultural incursion by U.S.’, Aug. 17

Related: Iran lawmakers uphold ‘Death To America’ mantra as national ‘symbol’, Nov. 2

Iran will probably sign a deal to buy Airbus aircraft, he said, noting “we already use Airbus or Boeing planes today.”

In September, Iranian Transport Minister Abbas Akhoundi said Iran was talking to both Airbus and Boeing about acquiring aircraft under lease deals by 2020.

Iran wants to upgrade its aging fleet but has been prevented from doing so by Western economic sanctions, which make even spare parts difficult to secure.