TEHRAN, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi voiced his country's readiness to help the United Nations (UN) promote peace and security across the globe and prevent oppression against nations.

Raisi made the remarks in a meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York on Monday ahead of the General Debate of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, according to a statement published on the website of the Iranian president's office on Tuesday.

He said cooperation with the UN is a principle of Iran, noting that "preventing excessive demands by the hegemonic powers is among the world peoples' expectations for the UN."

Raisi appreciated Guterres' efforts, listing some of the UN's main missions and duties as meeting nations' demands for promoting justice, eradicating discrimination and poverty, and ensuring lasting security.

For his part, Guterres expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Tehran and welcomed the positive developments in relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, as the two countries have great influence on regional stability.

The UN chief also praised Iran's constructive role in addressing the Yemen issue, highlighting the UN's support for Iran's initiatives to end the crisis in the Arab state.