Neither optimist nor pessimist about reaching deal with US

The president made the remarks in a meeting with governors from different provinces at the presidential compound. 

"Our government has emphasized from day one that it seeks to strengthen political, economic, scientific and cultural relations with other countries, especially Islamic and neighboring countries. We also seek constructive interaction with other countries based on mutual respect," he said

The president said elsewhere, "In negotiations with the United States, we are ready to reach an agreement within a certain framework that secures our national interests. But if they do not want to negotiate with us from an equal position, we will continue as before. As the Leader of the Revolution said recently, we are neither an optimist nor a pessimist."

"Through reliance on our own resources, we can develop the country. We Iranians are competent and skillful people and we never look down on our capabilities," he continued.

MNA