Discussions focused upon Maltese and Libyan relations, Mediterranean cooperation and collaboration on illegal immigration as well as oil exploration. Minister Frendo also personally delivered a letter from the President of Malta Edward Fenech Adami in which he referred to the phenomenon of mass migration and asked for the Libyan Leader’s “special understanding of our situation”. The President also emphasized Malta’s concern vis-a-vis illegal immigration, in view of its size and it being the most densely populated country in the Mediterranean region.

The letter personally delivered and discussed by the Foreign Minister, also makes reference to collaboration in the field of oil exploration “seeking a common way forward to the benefit of our two countries”, within the framework laid out by the successful Joint Commission recently held in Tripoli and co-chaired by the Foreign Ministers of Malta and Libya, Michael Frendo and Abdul Rahman Shalgam respectively.

During talks with the Libyan leader, the Minister also highlighted the issue of illegal immigration, recalling the difficulties being faced by Malta and other countries and the insisting on the importance of Libya and Malta to further collaboration in addressing the issue.

Muammar Ghaddafi and Michael Frendo also spoke of deepening and strengthening the nations’ close relationships, especially where trade and investment are concerned.

Read more about this issue in MaltaMedia’s Special Feature Lanċa Ġejja u Ohra Sejra.