AFM officers that just returned from a two-day meeting in Libya feel things are looking positive with regard to the possible eventual signing of a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of maritime search and rescue between the two countries, this newspaper has learnt.

An AFM spokesman said that in view of recent tragedies at sea involving irregular migrants, the idea was to set up a search and rescue network in order to be able to cover the whole area.

A search and rescue agreement is soon expected to be signed between Malta and Greece, the spokesman said, adding that the meeting held earlier this week in Libya was aimed at beginning the process by means of which an agreement on cooperation between the two countries, in the field of search and rescue would be reached.

The meeting was attended by Maltese Ambassador to Libya Joe Cassar; the Maltese that led the meeting included three AFM experts, one of whom could speak Arabic.

The Maltese delegation arrived in Tripoli harbour on Tuesday onboard the AFM’s Offshore Patrol Vessel P-61.

Talks between the two delegations were intense and very cordial, and lasted longer than envisaged, the spokesman said.

There was an initial exchange of views on the proposed memorandum understanding and the Libyan side expressed a keen interest for Libyan officers to possibly attend training at the AFM’s Search and Rescue Training Centre.

The Libyan delegation visited the AFM vessel P-61 and was shown around by the ship’s captain and the Maltese delegation returned to Malta early yesterday morning.