Tehran  - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Monday promised his visiting Lebanese counterpart Michel Suleiman that Iran would always stand by Lebanon.

"Lebanon has finally found its track after many stormy years and now enjoys tranquillity and security," Ahmadinejad said in his meeting with Suleiman.

According to ISNA news agency, Ahmadinejad further said Lebanese resistance against Israel had turned Lebanon into a symbol of courage in the region.

ISNA quoted Suleiman as saying his country was grateful to Iran for its constant support and hoped the Tehran-Beirut summit would lead to strengthening bilateral ties.

Suleiman arrived in Tehran earlier Monday for a two-day state visit. He is the third Lebanese president to visit Tehran since the 1979 Islamic revolution.

Iran supports the Lebanese anti-Israel militia group Hezbollah, but has characterized the support as "spiritual" and has denied giving military or financial aid. (dpa)