BEIRUT, August 6, 2008 (AFP) - The US commander in Iraq, General David Petraeus, held talks with President Michel Sleiman during a surprise visit to Beirut on Wednesday, offering further military support to Lebanon.

Petraeus also met acting army chief Shawki al-Masri and discussed how to 'strengthen the army's defensive capabilities, training and logistics,' an army statement said.

He held talks with Sleiman on providing US equipment to Lebanon and on key developments in the region, the president's office said. Petraeus also met Prime Minister Fuad Siniora and Defence Minister Elias Murr.

Petraeus has been named to command the US Central Command, where he will oversee military operations throughout the Middle East, but has yet officially to take up the post.

The trip follows a visit on May 31 when US Under Secretary of Defence for Policy Eric Edelman 'stressed the United States' commitment to enhancing the LAF's (Lebanese armed forces) capabilities.'

Since 2006, Washington has committed more than 371 million dollars (240 million euros) in security assistance to Lebanon.