BEIRUT, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Iran backs Hezbollah as a resistance group without intervening in its affairs, visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said here on Friday.
"Iran supports Hezbollah as a resistance group, but it does not interfere at all in its affairs, and any decision related to Lebanon is left to the party itself," Araghchi said at a meeting with Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji, according to a statement issued by Lebanon's Foreign Ministry.
The Iranian minister said that Tehran aims to build relations with Lebanon on "affection and mutual respect" through official state institutions, stressing that continued dialogue is essential despite differences on certain issues.
He reaffirmed Iran's support for Lebanon's independence, unity and sovereignty, saying that protecting the country is the responsibility of the Lebanese government and that unity among Lebanon's sects under the authority of the state would help safeguard stability.
For his part, Rajji reiterated Lebanon's desire to maintain strong relations with Iran. However, he expressed hope that Iranian support would be directed toward the Lebanese state and its institutions rather than to any other party.
Building a capable state that can defend its land and people cannot be achieved while an armed organization operates outside state authority, Rajji said.
He called on Tehran to work with Lebanon on finding a new approach regarding Hezbollah's weapons to prevent the issue from being used to weaken Lebanon or any of its communities.
Earlier, Araghchi met with Syrian President Joseph Aoun at the Baabda Palace, where Aoun said that Lebanon is ready to enhance economic and trade relations with Iran in a manner that serves the interests of both peoples. ■
