President in a meeting with Sunni clerics from all over Iran

Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) lifestyle is a common model for all Muslims," said President Rouhani in a meeting with Sunni clerics from all over Iran.

• The Islamic Republic of Iran is based on recognising religious, ethnic and cultural variety
• Developing major industrial centres in border areas has national advantage
• Developing Chabahar Port is a national and continental opportunity for investment and economic cooperation
• Railway development and complete gas supply to Sistan and Baluchistan and other provinces is a pivotal programme of the government
• The government has planned to make the best use of ethnicities and religions for synergy and boosting cultural and national unity

He said on Sunday: "The Islamic Republic of Iran is based on recognising religious, ethnic and cultural variety".

"The government has planned to make the best use of ethnicities and religions for synergy and boosting cultural and national unity," Dr Rouhani added.

"Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) lifestyle is a common model for all Muslims," said Rouhani congratulating Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) birthday.

He went on saying: "Ethnic and religious variety is not a threat to security, but rather a big opportunity for unity and national development".

Stressing that ethnic and religious groups should be regarded as an opportunity and advantage for peaceful coexistence, he said: "The Islamic Republic of Iran is based on recognising religious, ethnic and cultural variety".

"Developing major industrial centres in border areas has national advantage," said the President stating that the government is attempting to observe regional balance in development.

He also said: "Developing Chabahar Port is a national and continental opportunity for investment and economic cooperation".

"One of the government's biggest plans is to develop Chabahar Port and turn it into an intercontinental port," Dr Rouhani continued.

He further added: "Railway development and complete gas supply to Sistan and Baluchistan and other provinces is a pivotal programme of the government".

The government has planned to make the best use of ethnicities and religions for synergy and boosting cultural and national unity, he said adding: "Iran's honours have never been based on different branches of Islam and we are proud of great poets and thinkers of Iran's history like Sa'adi, Molavi and Hafez, regardless of their religious beliefs".

The problems that we have in our countries are not restricted to Shia, Sunni, Jewish, Christian and other religions, but to all Iranians, said Rouhani.

He added: "Water shortage, inadequate employment opportunities and attracting investment and technology are the most important issues of our country".

Civil rights should be based on public rights, said Rouhani adding: "The Charter of Civil Rights will be unveiled soon and people will receive annual reports on it".

"I have always told ministers to exercise meritocracy and consider all ethnic and religious groups in appointing officials," added the President, stating that the government has always followed the path of unity.

Emphasising that the Quran is the most important thing for Muslims, he said: "Islam's messages include the whole universe and people; just as Ashura culture is being free and fighting oppression".

"Our power is based on our unity; the Sacred Defence was the manifestation of our national integrity," he continued.

Dr Rouhani further added: "Security threat does not care about religion and ethnicity; a threat affects us all, just as national power belongs to us all".

"Islam is the religion of mercy; Takfiris have not had anything for Muslims except for bloodshed, division and destruction," he continued.

He also said: "The Islamic aspect of our Revolution belongs to all branches of Islam and Iranian ethnicities".