In a meeting with Secretary General of Hezbollah Sheikh Naim Qassem, held in Beirut, Araqchi expressed Iran’s willingness to broaden economic relations with Lebanon.

He noted that the Iranian government and nation are determined to resist sanctions and economic blockade, adding that the administration has made a series of decisions that are expected to yield positive results soon.

The foreign minister also highlighted the futility of hostile attempts to deprive Iran of its natural right to enjoy peaceful nuclear energy and defense capabilities, stressing that the Islamic Republic will keep to the path of strength and dignity.

Araqchi further denounced the recurrent violation of ceasefire in Lebanon by the Zionist regime, lauding Hezbollah and other resistance groups for liberating their country in cooperation with the Lebanese army.

For his part, Sheikh Naim Qassem said Hezbollah will keep working in cooperation with Lebanon’s government and army to expel the occupiers, halt aggression, ensure the release of prisoners, and reconstruct Lebanon, Al-Manar reported.

Lebanon is currently at the heart of storm of instability, whose root cause are the US and the Zionist regime, he added.

Araqchi arrived in Beirut on Thursday.

After meetings with a number of senior Lebanese authorities, Araqchi held talks with Foreign Minister Rajji on Friday.

During a visit to the shrine of late Hezbollah leader Seyed Hassan Nasrallah on January 8, Araqchi reaffirmed Iran’s support for Lebanon’s independence, national unity, and territorial integrity.

The Iranian foreign minister has also called for an end to the Zionist regime’s occupation of regions in southern Lebanon.