Iranian President-elect Ebrahim Raisi stressed that "strengthening and building comprehensive relations with neighboring countries is one of the priorities of the government that we will form,"  considering that "such relations serve both Iran and its neighboring countries as well."

Raisi's statements came during his visit to several prominent religious scholars in the city of Qom, as reported by the Iranian news agency "IRNA".

Furthermore, Raisi, who will assume his presidential duties starting August, highlighted the importance of "sustainable development", stressing his government's determination to lead the country toward development.

He pointed out that Iranian citizens suffer from various problems which his government will work on in order to "improve their lives."

Raisi added that his administration is determined to "win the trust of the people and address their problems," indicating that this would be accomplished through "working and making tireless efforts day and night."

Earlier today, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Saeed Khatibzadeh pointed out that a number of Afghan employees and workers have taken refuge in Iranian territory, following the recent clashes in the customs offices near the border.

During a press conference yesterday, Khatibzadeh confirmed that "the country's borders with Afghanistan are secure". This statement came in response to news of increasing control of "Taliban" over large areas of Afghanistan, in conjunction with the ongoing US and NATO withdrawal from it.