Iran is keen to strike new partnership with foreign companies to develop its airports as well as bring in foreign investment for manufacturing of airplanes, said a top minister.

Minister of Roads and Urban Development Abbas Akhundi was addressing a gathering of French transport officials on the sidelines of the Paris Air show.

For the last 10 years, no new investments have been made in Iranian air fleet, said the minister adding that the country needs to refurbish the ageing air fleet.

He told IRNA (Islamic Republic News Agency) that he will negotiate with French airplane manufacturers to place order to buy airplanes and encourage them to make investment in airports development.

The minister said Iran needs to upgrade technology in new generation of airplanes and building new generation of airports with foreign partners.-Reuters