TEHRAN, Iran 

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Thursday received Qatar's Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani in the capital Tehran. 

The two men discussed regional developments, according to a statement by Iran’s Presidency.

Today I met H.E. the President of Iran in Tehran. I conveyed to him the greetings of H.H. Sheikh @TamimBinHamad, discussed the latest regional developments and addressed a number of issues that would ensure stability in the region. pic.twitter.com/7GHcU6Zif5

— محمد بن عبدالرحمن (@MBA_AlThani_) January 27, 2022

Raisi said the presence of foreign elements in the region diminishes security and raises concerns.

"Foreigners do not respect the identities of locals. They see themselves as the rulers of the world," he said.

Pointing to the importance of regional cooperation, Raisi noted that neighboring countries should strengthen relations and this would serve peace and security.

During the meeting, Al-Thani also conveyed an invitation by Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to Raisi for the upcoming Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), which will be held in Doha soon.

Meanwhile, Al-Thani underlined that they were making efforts to increase relations with Tehran in every field.

Al-Thani, who arrived in Tehran on Thursday to hold official talks, met with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian before Raisi.

*Writing by Seda Sevencan