New role for Malta-Libya relations in view of EU, AU

Speaking yesterday at the 22nd session of the Malta-Libya Joint Commission, Finance Minister John Dalli praised the mutually-beneficial relationship enjoyed by the two countries, which, he says, has stood the tests of time and changing circumstances.

"It [the relationship] will continue to prosper as the countries commit further to their respective groups, Libya as a member of the African Union and Malta as a member of the European Union," Mr Dalli comments.

This, the minister explains, will give further relevance to the relationship between the two countries as frontier links between the two continents.

"Change cannot and should not be halted, change should be managed," he advises.

Mr Dalli was co-chairing the meeting with Muhammad Al-Misurati, Libyan Secretary for Justice and Public Order.

The meeting was also addressed by the Secretary for Foreign Liaison and International Co-operation Abdul Rahman Mohamed Shalgam, while the Secretary for Industrial Co-operation, Dr Hassan Abdulla Hamad, was also present.

The meeting, which was very cordial, covered various aspects of the relationship between the two countries. These included transportation by air and sea, commerce and trade, culture and education, the financial sector and ship repair, while emphasis was made on the movement of persons between the two countries.

During the meeting an agreement was signed for the renewal of the Voice of the Mediterranean Agreement.