Tehran: President Masoud Pezeshkian, emphasizing the necessity of investing in new technologies and supporting young elites, calls for the utilization of domestic scientific and technological capacities to achieve maximum growth and development in Iran.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Pezeshkian made the remarks in his address on Sunday at a ceremony marking the 46th founding anniversary of Academic Jihad, or Jihad Daneshgahi, a public non-profit institution that focuses on research and training with regard to the country's defense, industrial self-sufficiency, food security, and employment.

He said the necessary technological infrastructure would help Iranian youth, elites, and scientists pave the way for the country's progress and provide the Islamic Republic with the basis for reducing its dependence on oil and gas resources.

Calling investment in the field of new technologies one of Iran's essential needs, the President clarified that it would not only make the country self-sufficient in different sectors, but would also not allow the enemies to use illegal sanctions and pressure to hamper growth and development.

Stating that scientists and progressive people are needed to overcome problems and challenges, he called on the Iranian nation to build trust in its youth to ensure that no obstacle can stop the country from making progress.

While honoring the memory of the late founder of the Islamic Republic, Imam Khomeini, and the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Pezeshkian also expressed his gratitude to all other martyrs, including Ali Larijani, saying they sacrificed their lives for the sake of Iran's security and dignity.

Elsewhere, the president referred to the assassination of scientists and prominent individuals, as well as US-Israeli attacks on Iran's pioneer scientific and research centers, saying the enemy's evil plots were to target Iran's capabilities and those who were entangled in and solvers of the country's problems.

The president also announced the administration's readiness to participate in the technological projects of Academic Jihad and invited the elites and scientists of this institution to discuss and exchange views on issues and problems they encounter.

At the end of the ceremony, Pezeshkian awarded the 'National Jihad Daneshgahi Award' to the family of Martyr Ali Larijani, for the role the veteran politician had played throughout his life to steer Iran in different fields.