Foreign Minister in Libya

Foreign Minister Michael Frendo yesterday had talks in Tripoli with Libyan Foreign Minister Abdulrahman Shalgam.

"Dr Frendo emphasised Malta's commitment to the Mediterranean dimension of its foreign policy and to the strengthening of the already strong historic relations with Libya," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

He recalled that Libya was one of the first countries with which Malta had established diplomatic relations just after attaining its Independence in 1964.

Those relations had since been sustained in a constant policy of good neighbourly co-operation over many decades, and Malta's membership of the European Union enhanced the value of these relations for both countries.

As a member of the EU, Malta also remained a country that has a special sensitivity towards, and understanding of, Libya and its people, Dr Frendo said.

Mr Shalgam expressed his appreciation that Dr Frendo had chosen Libya for his first bilateral visit. He spoke of the new economic policies in Libya and emphasised that Malta was an important neighbour for Libya, and was ready to provide opportunities for commercial, cultural and political exchange.

Among the various matters discussed were the facilitation of the visa process for the Maltese business community, the continuation of political dialogue, cultural exchanges, trade, international affairs and matters of mutual interest for the EU and Libya.

Dr Frendo also had a meeting with Suleiman Shahoumi, Secretary of Foreign Affairs for the General People's Congress of the Libyan Jamahariya.

He also met members of the Maltese resident and business community in Tripoli at a reception held at the Maltese Embassy on Friday evening, as well as inaugurating a new showroom by Maltese furniture-makers yesterday evening.