PARIS - France's president affirmed Saturday that Syria and Lebanon will open embassies in each other's countries. However, Syria's leader was more cautious.

Syria and Lebanon have not had full-fledged embassies in each other's countries since Lebanon became independent in 1943 and Syria in 1945.

Syrian President Bashar Assad said last month that establishing diplomatic ties with Lebanon would be possible if a national unity Cabinet were formed in Beirut.

Such a government, including members of Syria's ally Hezbollah, was formed Friday after weeks of haggling.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy met with Assad and with Lebanese President Michel Suleiman, who said he wants an exchange of ambassadors with Syria.

At a news conference later, Sarkozy said the establishment of embassies in Beirut and Damascus is in the works.

"It's historic. ... Naturally, there are ... legal questions to be resolved on the Syrian side," Sarkozy said. He did not suggest a time frame.

Assad seemed a bit more reticent about how quickly the plan might advance. He said he and the Lebanese president discussed the issue but still need to define the steps to take.

The Lebanese president arrived at the presidential Elysee Palace with an optimistic tone.

"We want an exchange of ambassadors and diplomatic relations with Syria," he said before a separate meeting with Sarkozy.

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