Deputy Prime Minister Tonio Borg met yesterday the Libyan Minister responsible for European Affairs, Abdel Atti Ibrahim Al-Obeidi, to discuss, among other matters, irregular migration.

The meeting, at the Auberge d’Aragon, began with Dr Borg recalling that Libya and Malta had always been good friends, with very good relations that went back many years. Mr Al-Obeidi countered by saying that Libya considered Malta not only a neighbouring country, but also a friendly country.

Relations between Libya and the European Union were later discussed, as was irregular migration and how this was affecting both countries.

Mr Al-Obeidi is due to visit Italy after Malta, to continue the dialogue between Libya, Italy and Malta about the problem.

The Justice and Home Affairs Ministry said that it had been agreed at the meeting that there should be a continuation of the technical meetings on further cooperation to counter the illegal migration problem. Also discussed was cooperation to facilitate the transfer of people between the two countries when Malta joins the Schengen system.

Organised crime and drug trafficking were also on the agenda, including closer cooperation between the Maltese and Libyan police forces, and it was agreed that the Libyan Interior Minister would pay an official visit to Malta.