BEIRUT: President Nicolas Sarkozy has told President Michel Sleiman in a letter that France is committed to Lebanon through its participation in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Sleiman’s office said late Tuesday.

In the letter, Sarkozy assured Lebanon of France’s “determination to continue with its commitment toward Lebanon through its participation” in UNFIL, according to Sleiman’s press office.

Sarkozy had also affirmed France’s respect toward the sovereignty and security of Lebanon’s territories as a result of the special ties between the countries.

The letter by the French president comes after Sleiman sent Sarkozy a letter following the attack this month on French peacekeepers belonging to UNIFIL in south Lebanon. The attack, the second of its kind this year against the French peacekeepers, left four soldiers wounded.

Sarkozy also noted the importance of Lebanon’s stability and freedom and said France and Lebanon should stand side by side and show mutual determination against all difficulties.

Following the first attack against France’s contingent in July, Sarkozy had reportedly sent a letter to Sleiman warning that Paris would downsize its troops if further attacks occurred.

France is one of the leading troop contributors to UNIFIL since the peacekeeping force was established in 1978. More than 1,300 French troops serve with UNIFIL.