TEHRAN Chairman of the Expediency Council (EC) Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani called here Saturday on all the members of the Iranian society to try to contribute to the development of the country.

Speaking at a gathering of the members of the Islamic associations graduated from the European, American and Asia-Pacific universities, Ayatollah Rafsanjani stressed the key role of planning and formulating programs to reach the prosperity and national development.

He pointed to Iran's crucial role in the region and in the Islamic world and called on the nation members to attempt to further promote the country's standing at the international arena.

Iran requires a comprehensive development in all the political, economic, social and cultural fields, he said adding that the reconstruction, productivity and development should keep pace with the social justice and the promotion of the public culture.

He further stated that it was important for the authorities to prepare the grounds for the political development of the country but one must avoid raising provocative issues that would contribute to the intensification of tensions in the country.

Rafsanjani expressed concern over the brain drain from Iran saying the officials and managers of the system should take appropriate measures to make optimal use of the qualified and specialized forces in the country.

Iran has now become a powerful country in building dams, power plants and silos, and many countries are now asking Iran to transfer its high skills and experience in these fields, he said.

He also underlined the significance of boosting relations with other nations.

(IRNA)