TEHRAN - Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki has said helping to promote unity, security, and stability in the entire region, and particularly in Lebanon, is part of Iran’s foreign policy.

Mottaki made the remarks during a meeting with Lebanese President Michel Suleiman in Beirut on Monday.
Iran believes it is essential to thwart efforts meant to create tension and schisms and to undermine nations’ rights, he added.
He expressed hope that the internal situation in Lebanon would improve and its cooperation with Iran and other regional countries would increase.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Mottaki said Tehran is interested in expanding ties with Beirut and added that Iranian private sector companies are prepared to help implement infrastructure projects in Lebanon.
Suleiman described the meetings between the two countries’ senior officials as positive, and called for the expansion of Tehran-Beirut relations.
Fortunately, Lebanon’s recent crises and vicissitudes are coming to an end, and efforts are being made to encourage the two main rival groups to reach some sort of consensus, he added.
Mottaki also held talks with Hezbollah Secretary General Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah.
Earlier, he paid tribute to senior Hezbollah official Imad Mughniyeh, who was assassinated by Israel in early 2008.
In a separate meeting with Lebanese Foreign Minister Ali Shami in Beirut on Monday, Mottaki advised Lebanon’s political groups to strengthen national cohesion through constructive interaction.
“National unity in Lebanon will play a key role in the promotion of stability and security in the country and in the Middle East to counter the main challenges,” Al-Manar quoted Mottaki as saying.
The two foreign ministers discussed regional developments and other topics of mutual concern.
Mottaki said that Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri’s trip to Damascus helped consolidate stability and calm in the region.
“Lebanon proved through its quick formation of the government that it has the ability to have a good standing in the region and internationally,” Mottaki said during a press conference at Bustros Palace following talks with Shami.
It was Mottaki’s first official visit to Lebanon since the new Lebanese government took office last month