BEIRUT, Nov. 21 (Xinhua) -- France has promised to keep its assistance commitment to Lebanon by offering 125 million euros to support Lebanese companies that suffered during 2006 war with Israel, local Daily Star reported here Friday.

    French Prime Minister Francois Fillon, who was in Lebanon for a two-day visit, made the pledge during a joint press conference with his Lebanese counterpart Fouad Seniora on Thursday, according to the report.

    The 125 million euros funds are part of 500 million euro loan that France promised on the Paris 111 donor conference in 2007, which was held for economic assistance to Lebanon, Fillon was quoted as saying, stressing his country's commitment to its promises of the Paris donor conference.

    He, meanwhile, highlighted the need for cooperation between France and Lebanon in various fields, especially in the economic one.

    During his visit, Fillon and Lebanese officials have signed eight agreements of cooperation on defense, agriculture, finance and judiciary.

    Talking about the diplomatic ties between Lebanon and Syria, Fillon said: "We are happy with the improvement in relations between Lebanon and Syria, and are looking forward to opening embassies."

    French President Nicola Sarkouzi hosted both Lebanese and Syrian presidents in Paris last summer, during which the two neighboring countries agreed to establish diplomatic ties for the first time since their independence 60 years ago.

    Fillon, however, stressed that border demarcation between Lebanon and Syria, and the issue of Lebanese detained and missing in Syria should be solved after the establishment of diplomatic ties, saying "Syria needs to prove that its intentions are sincere."

    The French prime minister arrived here Thursday afternoon and met with Lebanese President Michel Suleiman later in the day.

    He toured southern Lebanon to meet French soldiers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon Friday before concluding the two-day tour.