UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres congratulated Ebrahim Raisi on becoming Iran’s 13th president, expressing willingness to work with the Islamic Republic’s new administration for promotion of world peace and security, among other things.

In a message to Raisi, the UN chief congratulated him on assuming the post of president of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

“Your presidency coincides with a critical juncture for your country, region and the world as we are facing many challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and also lengthy and destructive conflicts,” he said in his message.

Guterres added that the remarkable human and natural resources of Iran are an asset for the improvement of the welfare of Iranian citizens as well as other people of the world.

“The United Nations and I, myself, are willing to work with the new administration (formed under) your leadership toward realization of peace, security, sustainable development and human rights all over the world,” he went on to say.

President Ebrahim Raisi took the oath of office as Iran’s 8th president on August 5.