On Thursday, Libyan interim Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbaiba held a meeting with his Maltese counterpart, Robert Abela, in Libya’s capital, Tripoli.
Accompanying Abela was a delegation that included Malta’s Interior and Security Minister, Byron Camilleri, and Minister for Energy, Enterprise, and Sustainable Development, Miriam Dalli.
The meeting focused on various topics, including the strengthening of mutual economic collaboration in areas such as energy, transportation, and the wider economy.
In addition, discussions were held about possible partnerships in sectors like electrical interconnectivity, healthcare, environmental conservation, maritime resources, countering illegal immigration, and unlocking aerial corridors.
In a joint press conference with Abela, Dbaiba revealed that political issues, notably Malta’s role in international forums to support Libya’s stability, were also on the agenda. The Libyan Prime Minister pointed out that both parties shared a common view on the need for conducting elections in Libya.
The Libyan Premier reiterated his administration’s stance on the necessity of conducting fair and transparent elections to avoid prolonging transitional stages.
He expressed appreciation to Malta for opening its airspace to Libyan aviation, deeming it an encouraging step for similar actions by other European countries.
He also informed Abela about the ongoing military operations against gangs involved in fuel smuggling and illegal immigration, emphasizing the government’s commitment to protecting civilians in the affected areas.
Dbaiba noted these operations aligned with Libya’s objective of safeguarding its sovereignty and security, and that of neighboring and European countries, against local and international criminal gangs.
He also urged European Union nations to foster stronger ties with Libya across all sectors, promoting information exchange regarding criminal activities, including the smuggling of fuel and migrants.
The Libyan PM advocated for private-sector cooperation between Libya and Malta, expressing optimism that the Libyan-Maltese High Committee would spearhead this initiative by creating a favorable investment climate in both nations.
In turn, Malta’s Prime Minister expressed concern about migration trends between Malta and Libya, which have seen a surge in regular migrant flows since 2020. Abela underscored the need for a broad and inclusive discussion on these issues while maintaining a focus on economic growth.
Abela reiterated Libya’s integral role in Mediterranean dynamics, encouraged by Libya’s active participation and engagement, evidenced through numerous reciprocal visits.
