The Armed Forces of Malta was offering search and rescue training to Libyan General Administration for Coastal Security (GACS) in its maritime base in Xatt it-Tiben.

In light of this training, Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri met with Libyan Home Affairs Minister Emad Al-Trabelsi at the maritime base to talk about the relationship between both countries and follow the training the AFM was offering to Libyan coast guard officers.

During their meeting, the Ministers discussed the importance of cooperation between the two countries and irregular migration.

Camilleri said that the relationship between Malta and Libya continues to strengthen, especially from the training the Libyan authorities received in Malta. He added that this training helped prepare officials for search and rescue manoeuvres at sea but also to combat human traffickers at sea.

"We are committed to continuing the special relationship between Malta and Libya for the benefit of both societies," Camilleri said.

Al-Trabelsi said that he was happy with the training that the AFM was offering which will put Libyan authorities in a better position to enforce the law and eliminate criminals involved in human trafficking.

"This training is aimed at enforcing the law and eliminating criminals involved in human trafficking as well as rescuing immigrants and providing them with assistance. We wish every success to all those involved in this work and we also thank the Maltese Order Forces for the good cooperation they have with us," Al-Trabelsi said.