Minister in talks on new Malta-Libya cooperation agreement

Foreign Minister Tonio Borg is in Tripoli for talks with his Libyan counterpart, Mousa Kousa.

A Foreign Ministry spokes-man said the talks would focus on a new friendship and co-operation agreement between the two countries. He noted there had been a consider-able improvement in relations since the Schengen dispute erupted between Libya and Switzerland in 2010. Libya had restricted travel for all pass-engers coming from the Schengen area following a protract-ed diplomatic row with Switz-erland, also a member of the European travel zone. Malta, together with Italy, was said to be a crucial player in ending the row.

Mr Kousa was in Malta last year when he announced that Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi was due to visit the island.

It was recently announced that Malta will host a summit meeting by leaders of the 5+5 Mediterranean countries next year. Col Gaddafi is expected to attend.