Prime Minister Joseph Muscat told Libyan designate PM Fayez Serraj today that Malta was willing to reopen its diplomatic mission in Tripoli but the North African state first had to ensure the safety of Maltese diplomats in Tripoli.
Dr Muscat met Mr Serraj during a lightning visit to the Libyan capital this morning. The short meeting took place inside a Libyan naval base just outside of Mitiga international airport.
Mr Serraj was appointed to lead the national unity government formed after a UN-brokered agreement in December. The new government is yet to be officially sworn in, although this is planned for the coming days. Meanwhile, another government still operates from the country’s eastern region.
Addressing the assembled press shortly after meeting Dr Muscat, Mr Serraj said it was a good meeting which would serve to improve Malta’s excellent relationship with Libya. “We have agreed to set up technical commissions to activate a number of pending agreements between the two countries, the Libyan PM said. These agreements, the Maltese PM clarified later, include migration, fuel smuggling and the energy sector.
Mr Serraj said he and Dr Muscat had also spoken about the Libyan community in Malta and the facilitation of entry visas in Malta. “We also spoke about ensuring the safety of Maltese diplomats in Libya and the possibility of resuming flights between Malta and Libya in the future.”
Dr Muscat said it was obvious that Malta wanted to reopen its diplomatic representation in Libya. “But we want to ensure safety of our diplomats. We will probably be one of the first Western countries to open an embassy here and that will undoubtedly lead to some pressure on the issuance of visas. We need to be prepared for this, to see how this will be managed, and identify any problems and find solutions.”
Dr Muscat said this was the first head of government delegation meeting the new Libyan government and this sent across a strong political message. “It can also be interpreted as a show of support at European level. Europe stands with your government and supports it.”
Dr Muscat said what was envisaged as a purely symbolic visit turned out to be a more in-depth discussion, which also focused on the business aspect. “This shows that Mr Serraj is very committed to getting things done in his government. We spoke about pending agreements and how to activate them. We are also realistic and know that first priority is establishment of full security in the city and the country. That is a prerequisite that will hopefully follow the swearing in of this government officially in the next few days. “
The Maltese PM said that the international community was already recognising the new Libyan government, even before it was officially sworn in. He hoped Mr Serraj would visit Malta in the near future and said today’s meeting was the first step towards normalisation of relationships on diplomatic efforts and commercial efforts between Malta and Libya.
Asked on illegal migration, Mr Serraj said this would be one of the first priorities. “We need to find solutions. Migration is the first priority file that will be discussed by technical teams.”
On the security issue, Mr Serraj said Libya had always asked for assistance from the EU, not intervention. “The kind of assistance will be agreed by our experts and those of the EU and the international community.”
Speaking to journalists on the flight back, Dr Muscat said the visit was mainly a show of support to the new Libyan government, noting that its swearing in has suffered a number of setbacks. “A number of foreign ministers have visited but this was the first time that a head of government has met with Mr Serraj. This was a strong signal from our end.”
Dr Muscat said he and the Libyan PM had spoken on the subject of security, including the presence of ISIS militants in Sirte and surrounding areas. “Security, at least in Tripoli, is one of our main concerns. You have seen how this government is still operating from inside a military base, rather than from ministries.”
He noted that the Libyan PM had been very cautious when speaking on the subject, but that he understood his country’s limitations.
Dr Muscat said the two countries will also start discussing, at a technical level, a fuel purchase agreement first announced in 2013. The hyped-up agreement, described at the time as groundbreaking, was to see Malta purchase oil from Libya at cheaper prices. The agreement never materialised, possibly due to the turbulent political situation in Libya, and technical discussions will only be starting after this latest visit by Dr Muscat in Libya.
Foreign Affairs Minister George Vella accompanied Dr Muscat.
Photos and video: Jonathan Borg