Speaking to a group of Iranian elite at the Iranian Club in Dubai on the first day of his visit to the Persian Gulf country, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad underlined that the Iranian people are a monotheistic and sincere nation who keenly wish prosperity and happiness for all nations, a fact which is a clue to understanding its long and prideful history.

He remarked that Iran has gone through a great deal of ups and downs in its long history but has emerged victoriously as a lively and happy nation and is now the standard bearer of a movement towards the peaks of honour.

Ahmadinejad also said that all Iranians feel duty-bound to make their country and set a good example to the nations of the region.

He invited Iranians in other countries to invest in their homeland, noting that Iran will be the first economic power of the region in the near future.

He remarked that in line with 44th article of Iran's constitution, a fertile ground is being prepared for private sector to invest in the country's major industries.

The Iranian president also invited young Iranian scientists and researchers living abroad to contribute to their motherland's scientific efforts.

Referring to the country's rapid development, he said that last year the agriculture sector in Iran saw a 7 plus percent of growth and some 2 billion dollars worth of agricultural produce has been exported for the first time while the overall non-oil export exceeded 16 billion dollars.

Dubai, May 13, IRNA