Putin, Macron meet to save Iran nuclear deal

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Europe

Russian President Vladimir Putin and visiting French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday reiterated their support for the Iran nuclear deal after the US departure.

The deal must be preserved as Tehran fulfills all commitments on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Putin said at a press conference after the meeting with Macron in St. Petersburg.

"As for Iran, Russia's position is well known that we believe the JCPOA deal should be preserved," said Putin, stressing that the consequences of terminating this deal can be very disastrous.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron attend the XXII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2018 at Konstantinovsky Palace in Strelna. /VCG Photo

Macron echoed his Russian counterpart on the Iran nuclear issue that France had already commenced talks with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on the current situation and hoped that a broader framework agreement on the Iran nuclear issue could be achieved in the future.

As for the US sanctions against Iran, Macron said Europe must develop more efficient mechanisms to protect its economic interests.

Macron and his wife are in Russia for an official visit. He also participated in the ongoing St Petersburg International Economic Forum, which kicked off on Thursday.

(Cover: French President Emmanuel Macron (L) shakes hands with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin during a joint news conference following their talks at Konstantin Palace. /VCG Photo)