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In a three-day meeting between Libya and Malta, discussions concerning the renewal of the 1984 co-operation agreement ensued. Foreign affairs Minister Dr. Michael Frendo met several Libyan officials between Tuesday and Thursday, where the agreement listing several areas of co-operation was discussed. Other issues such as illegal immigration, higher education, fishing and oil were also touched upon.
On discussing the reviewing and re-vitalising of the 1984 Cooperation Agreement between Malta and Libya to reflect the current political, economic and social situations in both countries, Dr. Frendo said that “This exercise will further ensure that the economic activity and social interchange between Libya and Malta and the respective peoples, will remain strong”.
This recent visit is to lead to other ministerial and technical team visits which are expected to bring about new agreements and initiatives. Commenting on the outcome of his visit to Libya, Foreign Minister Frendo said: “We have agreed, in principle, on a number of initiatives mainly in the areas of higher education, political dialogue, public security and fisheries. Other Ministerial delegations are expected to visit Libya in the near future for further discussions with their counterparts in the Libyan Government on the various sectorial initiatives discussed during this visit”.
In the light of ongoing discussions between Malta and Libya on a readmission agreement, the Maltese Government has requested Libya joint cooperation in re-integration programmes for illegal immigrants who, after due process, are declared in Malta as ineligible for humanitarian protection or refugee status. Foreign Minister Frendo indicated the identification of illegal immigrants landing in Malta from Libya could be an immediate area of cooperation between the two countries in fighting illegal immigration.
On the other hand, the signing of a framework agreement between the Libyan Ministry of Higher Education and Malta’s Ministry of Education, Youth and Employment is expected to be signed in Tripoli in the coming weeks to consolidate the cooperation between both countries in higher education aspects. Another agreement is also expected to be signed in the coming weeks between the Academy of Graduate Studies based in Tripoli and the University of Malta with regard to the exchange of University lecturers, teaching of English as a foreign language and possible joint Master degree programs between the University of Malta Link Campus and the Academy of Graduate Studies.
With regards to fishing, speaking on Tuesday in Tripoli, Eng. Hussein el-Mary, Chairman of the Libyan National Fisheries Investment Board said that Libya is to cooperate with Maltese fishermen and is ready to adopt an ‘open heart, open mind’ approach in talks to find a practical solution for Libyan and Maltese fishermen and investors to cooperate in the fisheries, marine conservation and fish processing sectors. Foreign Minister Frendo made reference to a Note Verbale presented by the Maltese authorities to the Libyan Government in July last year where Malta had explained that the Maltese fishing fleet present in Libyan waters consists of no more than 15 fishing vessels at any given time and that most of the Maltese vessels are family-run businesses having a historic tradition.
The need for a continuous and renewed political dialogue between Malta and Libya was also discussed in meetings with Secretary of the General People’s Committee for Foreign Liaison and International Cooperation Mr. Abdulrahman Shalgam, Assistant Secretary for International Cooperation Muhammed Siala and Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the General People’s Congress Suleiman Shahoumi. “Malta and Libya enjoy a long history of excellent bilateral relations. In this context, it is very important to exchange views on a regular basis during political consultations at all levels” said Foreign Minister Dr. Michael Frendo.
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