Germany and Iran are to hold their first joint economic forum in a decade, Tehran's official IRNA news agency announced on Monday, as the two countries edge toward closer ties.

German Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel also signaled that a conference would take place.

He is currently in Tehran with a business delegation, the first Western minister to visit the country since a landmark deal was struck over Tehran's nuclear ambitions.

IRNA quoted an Iranian official as saying the conference would be held in late summer or early autumn in preparation for the lifting of international sanctions. Gabriel, however, indicated that it would go ahead early next year.

Despite Tehran's optimism, Gabriel warned that obstacles still remain which could affect the pace of German investment in Iran.

"Issues of human rights, civil rights of citizens and other individuals - and especially the security of Israel - are all of great significance for Germany," he added, referring to its staunch ally.

Israel opposed

Israel remains strongly opposed to the deal reached last week in Vienna between Iran and six world powers, including Germany, which will see sanctions imposed by the United States, European Union and United Nations lifted in exchange for Iran agreeing to long-term curbs on its nuclear program.

The Israeli government maintains it has not ruled out a unilateral military option against Iran's nuclear facilities.

The last joint business forum was held in 2002, four years before economic sanctions were placed on banking and financial transactions, shipping and in the trade of oil, gas and petrochemicals with Iran.

German machinery, auto, chemicals, healthcare and renewable energy firms are likely to be the biggest beneficiaries of an opening up of the Iranian market once restrictions are lifted.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani, who met with Gabriel on Monday, said he hoped Germany would play a "positive role" in improving relations between Iran and the EU. He noted Berlin's role in the recent deal struck around Tehran's nuclear ambitions.

mm/cmk (AP, Reuters)