Iran stresses safeguarding security of border with Pakistan

Raeisi made the statement

in a meeting with Pakistan's new Ambassador to Tehran Muhammad Mudassir Tipu on Saturday as the diplomat submitted his credentials to the president.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran believes borders are an opportunity for economic exchanges and the promotion of security of the neighboring countries," the president said.

Raeisi urged the two countries to implement common plans to battle terrorism and organized crime.

He stressed the importance of strictly countering any negative atmosphere in relations between Tehran and Islamabad.

The Iranian president warned against the "very destructive" consequences of the activities of the US-led terrorist groups in the region, particularly in Iraq and Syria, over the past years.

The presence and activities of these terrorist groups pose a threat

to all the countries in the region, Raeisi said, emphasizing that Tehran welcomes regional cooperation to counter terrorism.

The Pakistani envoy, for his part, hailed Raeisi's effective role in settling recent tensions between the two countries and welcomed the Iranian president's roadmap to a coherent community of regional countries.

Mudassir said senior Pakistani officials are resolute on strengthening cordial ties with Iran.

Despite efforts by enemies and ill-wishers to disrupt bilateral cooperation, the two countries have historical and strategic ties and Islamabad is ready to open a new chapter in its fraternal relations with Tehran, the diplomat said.

The two neighboring countries witnessed an escalation of cross-border tensions over Iran's counter-terrorism operations.