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13:50 GMT
PARIS, Aug 30 (KUNA) -- French President Francois Hollande on Tuesday stressed the close ties built up between France and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, as well as the ongoing cooperation in fighting terrorism and seeking regional stability.
Speaking in a keynote address to France's foreign ambassadors convened at the Elysee Palace, Hollande said France was willing to work with the countries in of the Gulf region and further friendly ties, and also work on bridging the divide with Iran as it seeks to re-integrate the international community.
Hollande said that France favored this re-integration after decades of isolation of Iran because of its controversial and opaque nuclear programs.
"If Iran wants to achieve (reintegration), it must contribute to calming the situation in the region," Hollande said.
"France is ready to facilitate this process with the countries of the Gulf," he added. "Everyone knows the confident relations that we have been able to build up with these countries."
The president said there were several areas where France saw a potential role as a "useful" broker or mediator. (End)
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