Tehran, Jan 25, IRNA � Italian companies counted days for removal of Iran's sanctions and starting work in Iran, Italian President Sergio Mattarella said on Monday.


Speaking to IRNA, he said that Iran has an important role in the international interactions.

President Mattarella welcomed President Hassan Rouhani's trip to Rome, adding that Tehran has not only an important role in regional balance but it also has a major role in the international interactions.

He urged cooperation of all countries to face common challenges, adding that Italy counts on Iran's consrucive and positive role in the international scene.

Italian president expressed his satisfaction over the nuclear deal and removal of Europe and US sanctions against Iran, saying that the nuclear agreement was a big success for the world and region's peace and stability.

Mattarella said there are various fields for cooperation in post-sanctions era, adding that Italian government encourages Italian companies to work with Iran.

Italian companies have always counted the days to kick off their work and ground is ready for expanstion of economic cooperation between the two states, he added.

The Italian president called the two countries' relations as historical and friendly, adding that Rouhani's trip to Rome shows the commitment of two nations and governments for closer relations.

Iranian President will meet his Italian counterpart on Monday morning and is expected to meet with Italy's Premier Matteo Renzi at the evening.

Rouhani will have also a meeting with Pope Francis on Tuesdy 11 oclock local time in the Vatican.

Rouhani is scheduled to attendd an economic forum with presence of 500 Italian investors and industry owenres on Tuesday.

President wil leave Rome for Paris after holding a press conference on Wednsday morning.

President Rouhani left Tehran for Rome early Monday morning as the first leg of his European tour.

Iran�s president travels to Europe for a four-day visit arriving first in Rome and then heads to Paris. This will be his first state visit to Europe where he is scheduled to meet with top officials from both countries.

Rouhani is expected to meet with French President Francois Hollande in Paris. With sanctions lifted, Iran can now access billions of dollars in frozen assets and pursue new trade opportunities.

Several European ministers have visited Tehran this year, hoping to benefit from the opening of a major economy with a young, well-educated population of just under 80 million and some of the world's largest energy reserves.

By IRNA