Minister for Rural Affairs and the Environment, George Pullicino led a government delegation which recently held several meetings in Libya, primarily on agricultural co-operation between the two countries.

The two sides agreed that there should be more technical assistance between the two countries so that products will be protected. There was also agreement for a technical committee to be set up to study opportunities in this sector and for a plan of action to be drawn up.

Minister Pullicino also spoke about the importance of conserving the fisheries sector. He said that the conservation zone as established by Libya leaves an effect on Maltese fishermen as these had been used to fishing inside it. He also emphasised the importance to find an arrangement that facilitates fishing for the Maltese possibly through joint ventures between the two countries.

The issue of environment was also brought up during the meetings especially the current pollution situation in the Mediterranean Sea. At the end of the meeting, Minister Pullicino invited his Libyan counterpart to Malta for the possible signing of a bilateral action plan.