The advisor to the Leader on international affairs said some non-Asian states' interference is the main cause of the challenges facing the Asian continent.
Ali Akbar Velayati made the remark on Tuesday in his address to the first annual meeting of the non-governmental forum of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), which was held in Beijing on May 25-26, IRNA reported.
Pointing to the "significant role and status" of Asia in efforts aimed at establishing peace and security throughout the world, Velayati called for measures to identify the problems afflicting the continent in a precise manner.
"It is important to detect external factors and foreign interference especially by some western countries as they have given rise to the crises affecting different parts of Asia, especially the areas faced with poverty, lack of security, attacks by terrorist and extremist groups and numerous cultural and social ills."
The senior official said by pursing their hegemonic objectives, western powers cause tension and insecurity in the region.
He referred to Syria, Iraq and Yemen as examples of independent nations that have become the targets of terrorist and extremist groups who enjoy the support of some non-Asian countries in collaboration with some regional states.
Security in Limelight
Velayati hailed the main theme of the forum, namely public support for promoting regional security cooperation, saying it has been "wisely" chosen.
He declared the Islamic Republic's readiness to cooperate with other Asian countries to help enhance the security of the continent.
He said Iran has already taken steps to promote security and peace in the Middle East by lending support to "the oppressed nations" and helping them repel foreign attacks.
Pointing to the fact that terrorism can easily spread from the Middle East to Central Asian countries and beyond if it is not stopped, he appealed for cooperation between all Asian countries in the campaign against terrorism.
The chairman of the Center for Strategic Research of the Expediency Council expressed the hope that the forum would provide a sound framework for boosting cooperation among Asian countries to improve security in the continent and said his organization is ready to conduct the needed strategic studies to contribute to efforts to achieve the goal.
Velayati left Tehran for China on Monday to attend the CICA forum. During his stay in Beijing, the official met with some high-ranking Chinese officials and visited some research and economic centers of the East Asian country.
Around 400 representatives from CICA members and observers, think tanks, social groups and media organizations attended the forum.
Established in 1999, the CICA has 26 member states. China has its rotating chairmanship for the 2014-2016 period.
