PARIS -- Newly appointed Iranian Ambassador to Paris Sadeq Kharrazi here on Tuesday submitted his credentials to French President Jacques Chirac.

During the meeting, Kharrazi conveyed Iranian President Mohammad Khatami's warm greetings to his French counterpart, and expressed Tehran's desire to broaden mutual political, economic and cultural cooperation with the state.

Referring to the two countries' cultural commonalities, the Iranian envoy called for further expansion of ties in regional and international affairs.

He also praised the decisive role played by France in restraining certain powers from adopting unilateral decisions or moves, referring to the current controversy which surrounds a possible U.S. attack on Iraq, IRNA reported.

Chirac, for his part, recalled Khatami's recent trip to France and expressed hope that the two governments would work to deepen relations in all areas.

Referring to Iran's prominent role in affairs of the region, he suggested that Tehran exercise a greater role in solving regional disputes and crises.