Within the framework of the close historic relations and ties between Malta and the Great Socialist People’s Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, the Maltese-Libyan Joint Commission convened its 25th Session in Malta between 28 and 29 October

This Joint Commission was co-chaired by His Excellency Mr Abdul Rahman Shalgam, Secretary of the General People’s Committee for Foreign Liaison and International Co-operation of the Great Socialist People’s Libyan Arab Jamahiriya and the Hon. Tonio Borg, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malta.

Malta and Libya announced that the Convention and Protocol on the Avoidance of Double Taxation will be signed before the end of the current year.

They also agreed to sign the Memorandum of Understanding on Search and Rescue at the earliest possible opportunity in the current year.

Both sides took note of the concrete proposals on the table regarding oil exploration and that further discussions will take place on this issue at the technical and political levels.

The Maltese side expressed its desire to obtain a number of permits for Maltese fishing boats to work in the Libyan protected fishing zones. The Libyan side promised to study the request according to the Libyan legislation in force in this field. Libya is ready to welcome a delegation from Malta and to co-operate on this issue.

The Maltese side offered to provide expertise in the field of improving and enhancing the level of Libyan fishing products that would conform with the requirements of the market in European Union countries. The Libyan side welcomed the Maltese offer and agreed that a delegation of Maltese experts will visit the Great Jamahiriya to meet with their Libyan counterpart to study this matter.

The two sides took note of progress in co-operation in the field of irregular migration and announced that a tri-partite meeting between Malta, Libya and Italy will be held in Malta in December, to be attended by the respective Foreign Ministers.

Malta will also be studying a proposal of the Libyan Foreign Minister regarding co-operation on a bilateral basis, or within the 5+5 structure between the Central Banks of the Mediterranean region in view of the current international financial crisis.