Libya has just woken up from the coma it had been in for 42 years and "we will start new era of cooperation", NTC's Mohammed Sayeh said this morning.
Speaking during a Times to Debate business breakfast on the theme "Rebuilding Libya: What's Malta's role?", Mr Sayeh, who is responsible for transport, said that Libya had been absent from the Mediterranean.
"Thank God we have now woken up from our coma."
Mr Sayeh said that Libya was very greatful for Malta's role during the revolution.
"You are our brothers and we have always been helping each other throughout our history.
Ambassador to Malta Saadun Suayeh said that a genuine interest was being shown in the future of Libya.
The heads of states/government who recently visited the country had all played a very significant role in helping the Libyan revolution.
"Their coming to Libya is a sign of solidarity, a sign that they see a future for the country, they see a fledgling democracy."
The ambassador said that one should not underestimate the problems that lay ahead, the country was still in transition and Libya's wounds were not yet healed.
He hoped that full liberation would be declared in the next few days.
"I think the phoenix has risen from the ashes," he said.
This is a change the Libyan people wanted. No one imposed it and it needs to continue to be driven by the Libyans.- Prime Minister Gonzi
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said Libya was Malta’s closest neighbour with whom it has been doing business for a number of years.
Many Maltese workers depended on the business environment and economy in Libya.
All had suffered tremendously since the revolution started.
He said interest in business with and in Libya was there, and it needed to be nurtured, strengthened and supported by the Maltese government.
"This is what we have been doing, what we will continue to do."
In seven months, Dr Gonzi said, Libya has been undergoing a tremendous change.
“This is a change the Libyan people wanted. No one imposed it and it needs to continue to be driven by the Libyans. Because we respect the wishes of the Libyan people, we have to remain consistent and on the side of the Libyan people.”
Dr Gonzi hoped that the saga was in its final phase.
"We are now entering a new scenario. But there are still major challenges, including the introduction of democratic institutions."
A process of settlement also needed to take place.
Replying to questions, the Prime Minister said that if the region settled down, Malta was in best position possible to perform 'wonderful projects and initiatives'. He promised that busesses would be supported as much as possible. A business delegation would leave for Libya as soon as dates were agreed with the NTC.
PL POLICY
Labour MP Leo Brincat said he wanted to emphasise that 11 days after the revolution started in February, he had personally stated on Labour party TV that no matter how long the struggle might last, the people's aspirations should be fully addressed.
He believed that after the uprising and the suffering which the people went through, institution-building in Libya could still take a long time, as would the rebuilding of the infrastructure.
At this point in time, the three priorities essential for new Libya were stability, solidarity and security, he said.
HUMANITARIAN AID
Mario Debono from the organisation I-GO Aid, which has been providing humanitarian assistance to Libya, said the current needs of the Libyan people were humanitarian.
"We need to get people out of Misurata, people are dying and their first port of call is Malta.
"Civil society has a role to play. People are for the first time setting up radio stations and newspapers. Before we talk about business, we need to help Libyans get on their feet. These people are starting from zero. Our role is to help them," he said.
TEACHING OF ENGLISH
Former ambassador George Saliba said an area which Malta could develop was the teaching of English to Libyan students, possibly even setting up schools in Libya itself.
The debate is being conducted by Herman Grech, deputy editor of The Sunday Times, and hosted at the InterContinental Hotel, St Julians.
In his final contribution to the debate, Dr Gonzi said these were historic times.
From the business point of view, opportunities were opening up and people had to work for them.
The Maltese manufacturing sector could benefit from the new demand posed by an open Libya which needed to be rebuilt.
In his view, the future of Libya should not depend on oil but on an economy based on services.
Malta could help Libya build its factories. It could be of great help in financial services and in IT.
"We are considered among the best as far as e-government services are concerned. If Libya wants to jump the queue and go upmarket, we have the expertise."
Malta was also in a good position to help out in education and in helping Libya set up its democratic institutions.There also were opportunities in tourism and in shipping.
The Libyan ambassador said he was hopeful, without being over-optimistic, that there would soon be a flourishing Libya.
Mr Sayeh said Libya needed something similar to the post-WWII Marshall Plan. Because of the circumstances, everything would be changed. Even businessmen would see a new Libya.
"You suffered in the days of Gaddafi, you had to pay commission, this will no longer be the case. The Maltese know the Libyan market, the Libyan people," he said.
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