President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday despite problems, great achievements have been made over the past twelve months.
"The statistics show Iran has made great and remarkable economic achievements in the current year," Fars news agency quoted Rouhani as saying in his address to the last cabinet meeting in the current Iranian calendar year, which ends on Friday.
"The shadow of sanctions was cast over the head of our nation this year, during which we have been grappling with drought and climatic problems, and oil prices plummeted," he said, adding, "Despite all these problems, the Iranian nation has achieved great successes in various areas."
Noting that “good steps” have been taken to enhance the country’s international interactions, he pointed to the improved relations with the neighboring countries and the progress made in the negotiations with the P5+1 (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany) on a final deal to resolve the nuclear issue as evidence of the government’s successful record in foreign policy.
Elsewhere, Rouhani said the volume of non-oil exports reached a record level this year, explaining, “We exported $50 billion worth of non-oil goods.”
He also pointed to the performance of his administration in the health sector, saying, “We have provided insurance coverage for 8 million people.”
Rouhani promised that a more prosperous year is awaiting the Iranian people with more achievements in various social, cultural and political fields on the cards.
