Libyan and Chinese news agencies are reporting that Malta is willing to reopen its embassy in Tripoli, following a meeting between Ambassador of Malta Charles Saliba and Libyan deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Metig in Tripoli on Tuesday.

According to a statement by the Libyan Prime Minister’s Department of Information, during the meeting “The deputy prime minister stressed the depth of the historic relations between Libya and Malta, expressing hope for the return of economic and commercial activities between the two countries.

"The ambassador expressed his country's willingness to have its embassy in Tripoli resume working, as well as continue joint working in different fields and activating joint committees.”

There had been no reciprocal statement from the Maltese Department if Information as of yesterday.

Saliba apparently emphasised at the meeting, held at the Prime Minister's Office, that, apart from reopening the embassy, Malta’s desire to continue joint work in various fields, including activating the work of joint committees.

Curiously, Neville Gafa was also on hand for the meeting.  Questions sent to the Foreign Affairs Ministry about the talks and about Gafa’s presence remained unanswered at the time of going to print.