Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and Libyan Prime Minister Ali Zeidan stressed the importance of better cooperation between Europe and Libya for the setting up of a strategic plan to address irregular migration.

Following a surprise visit to Libya today, the Office of the Prime Minister said that the two sides talked about ways to address this humanitarian crisis with the aim of having more peace in the Mediterranean region.

The OPM said that Dr Muscat expressed solidarity with his Libyan counterpart following his abduction – and later release – of this past week. Mr Zeidan was abducted on Thursday when militiamen broke into Corinthia hotel in Tripoli where he lived before daybreak and took him away, holding him in a basement prison with criminals for hours until he was freed.

Dr Muscat said that Prime Ministers cannot be appointed or removed by force, but it is the people who should have the right to decide on electing them or removing them. The rule of law should always be respected.

The OPM said that Mr Zeidan expressed his gratitude and said the visit by Dr Muscat showed that the two countries have excellent relations.