Deputy Prime Minister Louis Grech told his counterpart, the Deputy Prime Minister of Libya Mr Abdussalam M.A. El Badri, that the Maltese Government was keen to see negotiations with the different factions in Libya progress in the right direction with a view to arriving at a comprehensive solution.
Mr Grech said this is a meeting with Mr El Badri at the Auberge d’Aragon on 2 July. The Deputy Prime observed that a comprehensive settlement of differences was important both for the people of Libya, as well as for security in the Mediterranean and in the wider world community.
The two Deputy Prime Ministers agreed that terrorism is a world issue and that the situation in Libya requires the active and effective participation of both Europe and the United Nations. Terrorism could be aided and abetted by the criminal organisations involved in human trafficking.
Mr El Badri said that it is necessary to address this human tragedy at its source, in the transit countries and at the destination. Whilst Mr Grech agreed, but he added that that one also needs to have a comprehensive plan of action that covers the short, medium and long term goals. The latter could include what he has called for on various occasions, namely a sort of Marshall Plan to lift impoverished countries out of their situation.
The Maltese Deputy Prime Minister referred to the Valletta Conference taking place later on this year, which he described as an opportunity for Libya to make its voice heard and to clarify its position on a number of issues.
Mr Grech pledged support to Libya in order to find a rapid, comprehensive and lasting solution. He assured Mr El Badri that Malta would continue working in the European fora with this in mind.
The two also discussed economic relations between the two countries and agreed on convening the 28th Malta-Libya Mixed Commission at the earliest opportunity once stability in Libya is secured. Areas of possible collaboration which they mentioned include oil and aviation support; education and health services; and reconstruction works in cities and other infrastructure facilities in Libya.