In comments after planting a sapling in Tehran to mark the national Week of Natural Resources, Rouhani applauded Iranian doctors, nurses and medical staff for their devotion to duty in the efforts to contain the novel coronavirus in the country.
He also appreciated Iranian people for cooperating with the Health Ministry in the battle with COVID-19.
The president said that healthcare considerations have been given much more attention after the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, and people have realized that they must attach greater significance to protection of the health of themselves, their children and others.
Undoubtedly, one thing that could ensure the health of society is paying attention to the protection of rangelands and planting trees, he further said.
Describing plans to protect the health of cities and boost social vitality as a main duty of the administration, Rouhani prayed God that the country would soon get rid of the coronavirus epidemic.
In the event, the president inaugurated a major project to establish a stand of trees covering an area of 1,290 hectares around the metropolis of Tehran as part of the Green Belt Plan.
Highlighting the significance of afforestation and protection of the environment, the president said a report released by the Municipality of Tehran indicates that the number of trees and forestation projects around the capital has risen by 16.5 times in comparison to the early days after victory of the Islamic Revolution in 1979.
Paying attention to planting trees as the respiratory airways and lungs of the society could greatly help tackle air pollution, he stressed.
