The Libyan Foreign Minister, Najla Al-Mangoush, urged Malta on Tuesday to speed up the measures of signing an MoU in customs cooperation with Libya, explaining that the two countries need to set up practical mechanisms to fight smuggling of goods and drugs in the region.
Al-Mangoush visited Malta and held meetings with the Foreign and Finance Ministers. During the visit, Al-Mangoush said the two countries should also cooperate in security intelligence exchange as per the trade agreement that was signed on July 7, 1971.
Al-Mangoush also discussed illegal immigration and border security as well as resuming flights between Libya and Malta so that trade and investment work can thrive between the two countries, agreeing with Maltese officials to hold an economic forum for commerce chambers and businesspersons of the two countries to boost cooperation.
“We have also seen eye to eye on boosting cooperation in fighting organized crime and fuel smuggling as well as drugs and other goods’ smuggling operations, in addition to working to resolve the issue of Libyan aircraft – Global 5000 – of the United Airliner that are in Malta for maintenance.” The Foreign Minister said, according to a statement by the Ministry.
In the meantime, Maltese officials reiterated support for stability in Libya and said Valetta was acting as a bridge between Libya and Europeans to achieve peace in the Mediterranean and Europe in general, saying that the Maltese embassy in Tripoli and consulates in Benghazi and Misrata will reopen soon.
