Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian made it clear to his ministers during the first formal session of the new administration that they need to appoint officials on the basis of competence and capabilities, irrespective of race and gender.

According to The Iran Project, the new cabinet held its first meeting on Wednesday evening, a few hours after all 19 ministerial nominees managed to win the vote of confidence from the Parliament and officially took office for four years.

Addressing the meeting, Pezeshkian called on the new ministers to appoint the deputies, managers, directors and other authorities in all sectors by taking into account their competence, capabilities, proficiency and commitment, regardless of race, religion or gender.

He also cautioned the ministers against the assignment of people on the basis of intimacy or their political orientation.