Malta to appoint counsellor in Misurata

Malta is to appoint a counsellor to the Libyan town of Misurata to develop links with Malta, the prime minister announced this afternoon.

He made the announcement as he greeted members of the Misurata council, who are in Malta to thank the island for its assistance during the uprising against Muammar Gaddafi.

The delegation is also exploring areas for closer relations.

Greeting the delegation at the Auberge de Castille Dr Gonzi congratulated them and the Libyan people for the holding of the elections on Saturday, saying this was an important step in the democratic process.

He said that Malta would remain close to the Libyan people and it had a special relationship with Misurata, having provided humanitarian help during the uprising. 130 people from Misurata were given hospital treatment in Malta.

Dr Gonzi said now was the time to look ahead, and he said relations could be developed in various sectors, notably in trade, with Malta being a gateway to the EU, and also in education. He also augured that the immigration problem would be addressed, with priority being given to the humanitarian aspect.

Misurata Deputy Mayor Mohammed Aljamil said that being in Malta felt like being among brothers, and he thanked the Maltese for the help they had given to the people of the town. He too looked forward to a strengthening of relations.

Certificates of gratitude were presented to the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Tonio Borg and former Home Affairs Minister Carm Mifsud Bonnici.

A delegation from the Misurata Chamber of Commerce is also visiting Malta. It had a meeting this afternoon with SMEs minister Jason Azzopardi.