Foreign Minister Michael Frendo yesterday declared relations between Malta and Libya to be as strong as ever and that the two countries would hold a meeting in April to discuss joint oil exploration in areas adjacent to the countries’ maritime borders.

The minister was speaking during a news conference at the ministry following two days of discussions in Tripoli in the 24th meeting of the Malta-Libya Joint Commission.

The two sides also discussed illegal migration. Dr Frendo said Libya was doing its utmost to curb the problem which, he pointed out, it was ultimately facing on its own soil.

On his part Libyan Ambassador Dr Saad Elshalmani said his country was repatriating thousands of people who had entered Libya.

Minister Frendo said the Malta-Libya Joint Committee was very active and is the one where Libya has conducted most meetings. He added that the meeting was the first since Malta’s accession to the EU, although the different working groups had met regularly over the past years.

During the meetings, the two sides discussed a number of issues, namely the possibility of joint oil exploration, cooperation in the conservation of the cultural heritage, security and illegal migration, the easing of the visa issue process and the commencement of flights between Malta and Benghazi. In the same period, the Malta-Libya Business Council held its first meeting. A similar meeting will be held next month in Tripoli to mark the inauguration of the Malta-Libya Chamber of Commerce Office in the Libyan capital.

Dr Frendo said all areas of agreements have been given deadlines which are to be abided by. This, he said, guaranteed a practical and realistic approach rather than leaving discussions open-ended.

The minister and Ambassador Elshalmani strongly emphasised the “strong and intimate relations” and “the frank discussions” between the two countries.

They underlined their respective roles within the EU and the African Union and the way in which they can bring the two organisations closer.