Cairo - France is to provide a 280-million-dollar loan to finance the construction of the second phase of the third metro line in Cairo, Egyptian officials said Tuesday.

The agreement came during a two-visit by French Prime Minister Francois Fillon to Egypt that ended Tuesday. The loan will be given to French companies involved in the metro project.

Fillon said France would also give Egypt 3 million euros (4.2 million dollars) over three years support development projects.

Egypt, the most populous Arab country, is seeking to modernize its deteriorating public transport system. The country's overcrowded metro stations and old trains often lead to accidents. dpa