TEHRAN, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Iran's President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday urged for the expansion of ties with its southern neighbour of Qatar, official IRNA news agency reported.

In a phone conversation with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Rouhani stressed mutual investments in the economic projects with the help of the business people and investors from both countries.

He also pointed to the boost of port and maritime cooperation and establishing a joint shipping line between Iran and Qatar to accelerate bilateral trade.

Besides, Iranian companies are ready to cooperate in construction projects of Qatar for the World Cup 2022, Rouhani said.

The Qatari Emir, for his part, said his country is willing to develop all-out ties with the Islamic republic.

He also appreciated Iran's support for Qatar in "breaking the blockade" on Doha imposed by Riyadh and some of its Arab allies.

Expressing Qatar's opposition against escalation of tensions between Iran and the United States, the Emir of Qatar said that Doha has always been seeking boost of ties with Tehran and supports peaceful solutions to political disputes.