A meeting to be held in Malta bringing together the leaders of 10 Mediterranean countries has “gained significance” as an opportunity to rebuild stability in the region, according to Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi.
Dr Gonzi yesterday returned from a short-notice visit to Libya, where he held two meetings with his counterpart and a late night meeting with President Muammar Gaddafi, who is expected to pay a state visit to Malta next June to coincide with the summit.
“In our opinion, the 5+5 summit has gained particular significance in the light of the developments around the Mediterranean, which Malta, like Libya, is watching attentively,” Dr Gonzi said, referring to the unrest in North African countries like Tunisia and Egypt.
When asked whether Col Gaddafi was worried about how the events in neighbouring countries could affect Libya’s stability, Dr Gonzi said the Libyan leader was worried about the region, like all other heads of state, but Dr Gonzi did not speculate about rumblings in Libya.
Sources said the situation in Libya was still ambiguous, with no protests noticed in Tripoli but signs of unrest being reported in other places like Benghazi.
Dr Gonzi said Malta was keen on helping to ensure stability in the region and support any transitions “with full respect of the aspirations of the people in Tunisia and Egypt”. He said it was extremely disappointing to hear of protesters being killed or hurt.
“We spoke about these realities and about how we could prepare ourselves for this 5+5 meeting to use this occasion as a contribution to the situation.”
Dr Gonzi and Col Gaddafi also spoke about renewing the friendship agreement between the two countries, touching various issues such as travel, education, fishing and investment. Dr Gonzi said there had been “substantial progress” to conclude the updated accord.
The two leaders also spoke about “pending issues” related to the continental shelf between Libya and Malta, which has become a bone of contention in oil exploration.
“These issues are complex because they also involve other countries but we agreed to continue talks to try and reach a form of agreement that would not prejudice the interests of the parties involved but lead to a breakthrough.”
Dr Gonzi said a technical commission would be meeting next month in Libya to try and conclude the talks.
Sources also said there were also talks on “reciprocal energy rights”.
Foreign Minister Tonio Borg accompanied Dr Gonzi in Tripoli. He will attend a meeting in Italy in April with other foreign affairs ministers to pave the way for the 5+5 meeting.