Iran’s president-elect Sheikh Hasan Rouhani said on Saturday that the country’s new government would follow the approach of moderation.

Iran's president-elect Sheikh Hasan Rouhani said on Saturday that the country's new government would follow the approach of moderation, stressing at the same time that the moderation in foreign policy does not mean submission and surrender.

During his press conference, Rouhani indicated that the dialogue process with other actors must be built upon the basis of parity and common interests.

“The next government will subject to the will of the Iranian people. We respect all those who participated in the presidential election and everyone should respect the views of the majority of the Iranian people that have been shown through the ballot box," he went on to say.

The president-elect also noted that applying the law is the basis for the movement of people and the next government alike, stating that "the next cabinet should take into account the rights of all people, give them opportunities, respect moderation and keep itself away from extremism."

However, he pointed out that "moderation in foreign policy does not necessarily mean making concessions. It does not mean submission and surrender."

Rouhani expressed beliefs that Iran can play a historic role as a major regional power that enjoys a great historical heritage.

“The country is currently living critical circumstances which must overcome,” the Iranian top official concluded, calling for drawing lessons from past mistakes.