Boosting economy is way to beat extremism - Iran president

Iran President Hassan Rouhani arrives to meet with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi (not seen) at the Campidoglio palace in Rome, Italy, January 25, 2016. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

ROME (Reuters) - Generating economic growth in the Middle East is crucial to defeating extremism, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Tuesday, putting forward his country as a regional trade hub and pillar of stability.

Rouhani is on a four-day trip to Italy and France, looking to rebuild Iranian relations with the West some two weeks after financial sanctions on Tehran were rolled back following the implementation of its nuclear deal with world powers.