The Libyan Ministry of Higher Education recently concluded a two-day visit in Malta to discuss matters related to higher education with the Education, Youth and Employment Minister Louis Galea. The Libyan delegation consisted of Dr Abdelkabir Fakhry, under-secretary for Higher Education and Dr Suleiman Khoja, technical coordinator, both of the Libyan Higher Education Ministry. Libyan Ambassador Dr Saad A. E. Elshmani participated in all the meetings.
Both countries agreed that Maltese-Libyan relations have always been special, healthy and beneficial for both nations. Both countries share common aspirations and concerns regarding prosperity and security for their respective peoples and the Mediterranean region as a whole.
During the talks it was confirmed that the traditional long term relationship that exists between the two countries facilitates the strengthening of mutual cooperation in various fields for the present and future wellbeing of their citizens.
The aim of the visit was to discuss collaboration in the higher education sector.
The Libyan delegation visited the University of Malta, where they met with the Rector, Prof. Roger Ellul Micallef; Pro-Rector Prof. Charles Farrugia; Dr Joseph Mifsud, director International and European Affairs; Dr Charles Mifsud, from the Faculty of Education and Mr Vincent Vella, director, of the Foundation Course.
The delegation also visited the Institute of Tourism Studies, where they met chairman Reggie Abela and other officials. In a visit to the MCAST, both the chairperson, Victor Scicluna, and the principal, Frank Edwards, led discussions that explored collaboration between the two countries.
MCAST institute directors accompanied the delegation on an orientation visit to the ICT and the Electrical and Electronic Institutes.
The discussions focused among other issues on English language teaching, consultancy on quality assurance and accreditation, exchange of technical expertise, and training of personnel. During the meetings it was agreed that a joint working group would be set up with the aim of discussing into more depth the main issues and work towards their implementation.
Dr Galea said that both countries fully acknowledge the crucial role of education and training in the development of human resources to enable all citizens to participate productively and creatively in today’s global knowledge-based economy.
Malta and Libya also recognise that they have a long common interest in cooperation in higher education and vocational education and training, as part of the wider cooperation that exists between them.
Dr Galea also emphasised that both countries expect to obtain mutual benefit from cooperative activities in higher education, language teaching and vocational education and training.