Iran’s president, Pope Francis exchange gifts

The second day of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s historic visit to Europe will see him meet Pope Francis on a trip that is otherwise focused on more worldly matters.

The two held a private talk that lasted 40 minutes.

Iran’s economy has been constrained for decades due to global sanctions, and the toughest measures were imposed in recent years in response to the country’s nuclear program.

According to media reports, France has baulked at making a similar placatory gesture, leaving diplomats preparing for Rouhani’s visit to Paris from Wednesday with a major protocol headache.

President Hassan Rouhani’s four-day European swing aims to help position Tehran as a player in Middle East peace efforts, after the country reached a deal with world powers to limit its nuclear activities in exchange for an end to economic sanctions.

Italy has traditionally had close economic ties with Tehran and no sooner had Rouhani’s plane touched down in Rome, than a government source said Italian firms were poised to sign commercial accords worth between 15 billion to 17 billion euros.

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has said these business agreements are “just the beginning”, whilst Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says his country has always been at the forefront in the fight against terrorism.

Iran’s president further pointed out that Tehran’s model of success in nuclear negotiations could also be taken up by businesses from both sides.

Pope Francis thanked the Iranian leader for his visit and said: “I hope for peace”.

“Iran is the safest and most stable country in the region, has no intention to invade other countries or to interfere in any state’s internal affairs, and protects its territory powerfully”, Rouhani added.

Many Western nations accuse Iran of funding various militant groups that are on US and European Union terror blacklists. The Iranian president and his French counterpart, Francois Hollande, proved unable to come to a mutual understanding on the menu.

“We have had friendly relations with Italy and France in the past and we want to continue our good relations with them”, Rouhani told reporters before his departure on Monday from Mehrabad Airport.

Nuclear-related sanctions on Iran were lifted on the condition that country abides by the framework set, however, sanctions related to terrorism, human rights abuses and ballistic missiles remain.

He smiled broadly for the cameras at Italy s presidential palace before being ushered away for a working lunch with Italian President Sergio Mattarella, the first appointment in a five-day trip.

President Rouhani’s visit was the first of its kind since 1999 when Pope John Paul II received Mohammed Khatami.