Mr Dalli said the government hoped that the transition will be seamless.

“The introduction of visas for Maltese people travelling to Libya and Libyans travelling to Malta is a reality. But government has tried to eliminate the need for a visa in all instances that are possible,” he said.

Mr Dalli said the Maltese government was trying to ensure that the process was as quick and efficient as it could be. “I have sent some of my people there to check how things are going and everything seems to be on track,” he said. Mr Dalli said the government expected the Libyan authorities to reciprocate Malta’s efforts. “And I am sure that we will see reciprocity,” he said.

Meanwhile, Libya’s ambassador to Malta, Ali Nagem, said he was glad to see that Malta and Libya were still part of a large Mediterranean family. “Libya has never had problems with Maltese leaders and politicians. And we can keep working together to ensure the prosperity of our economies and the growth of our friendship,” said Mr Nagem.