President Rouhani arrived in Rasht, the capital city of Gilan province in northern Iran and was welcomed by the Supreme Leader's Representative in the province, the Governor General and a number of local officials. Speaking to reporters on Thursday at Rasht's Sardar Jangal International Airport, Dr Rouhani said: "17 important projects in the province will be opened today, creating 3600 jobs for the youth of Gilan".He said: "With regard to the fact that the current year is the year of production and employment, job-creating projects are a top priority for the government".He also said that two piers will be opened in Caspian Port, as well as Qazvin-Rasht railroad which will contribute to further development in the province.He also mentioned the negotiations made during his latest visit to Russia for connecting the Persian Gulf to Russia."Rasht-Astara railway will start operation through cooperation with the Republic of Azerbaijan," continued Rouhani.He added: "We hope to witness economic, social and cultural developments and headway by opening these projects".President Rouhani is accompanied by a number of cabinet members. س