BEIRUT, Feb. 17 -- Iran's Speaker of Parliament Ali Larijani said Monday that his country is ready to help Lebanon in all fields amid an absence of support by the international community, local Al Manar TV channel reported.
"We have discussed today with Lebanese officials the potential of offering support to Lebanon's industry, economy and agriculture," Larijani said during a press conference held at the Iranian embassy in Lebanon.
Larijani added that Lebanon can benefit from Iran's expertise in the power, medical and educational sectors.
The Iranian official also added that Hezbollah constitutes a protection for Lebanon against any future Israeli attacks.
"Hezbollah is not a terrorist group and if it wasn't for Hezbollah, Israel would have committed more crimes against Lebanon," he said.
Larijani arrived on Sunday evening in Beirut for an official visit and he met earlier in the day with Lebanese President Michel Aoun and reiterated his country's invitation for the Lebanese president to visit Tehran.