Flights between Malta and Libya restarted on Monday following an agreement signed by the Transport Ministries of the two countries.

Flights between Malta and Libya had been on hold since unrest erupted in the North African country in 2014.  Air Malta flew to Libya for the first time since then last July as part of talks and assessments for more regular flights to be restarted.

This flight placed Malta as the first member state of the European Union to fly back to Libya.

Economy and Industry Minister Silvio Schembri visited Libya on what was the first flight between the two countries. This flight paved the way for the restart of flights between Malta and Libya as well as the strengthening of trade ties between the two countries, the ministry said.

During a press conference addressed at the Malta International Airport on the arrival of this flight, which left Malta at around 11am, Minister Schembri highlighted the commitment between the two parties to collaborate as this will benefit both sides.

“There is huge potential for Libya. This country deserves to be properly led by Libyan people and Prime Minister Robert Abela as well as the Maltese government have always served as an important platform for Malta to be a voice for the thoughts and wishes of Libyans in in both International and European fora,” Schemrbi said.

He noted that although this flight is important, there is a lot of work to be done.

“We consider the Libyan people not only as our neighbours but also as our brethren. I believe we can help Libya flourish again,” Schembri said.

Meanwhile, Libyan Transport Minister Mohammed Salem Al Shahoubi remarked that the intention is to resume a weekly flight between the two countries.

“We hope for a successful future for this airline, which will contribute to the economic growth and service of the Libyan people,” he said.

Minister Schembri met with Libyan Economy Minister Mohammed Haweg in Libya where the two sides discussed various sectors, the ways in which the two countries can collaborate as well as business opportunities for both countries.