Malta will be opening a new college for arts, science and technology in the Libyan town of Misrata to offer students vocational training, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi announced yesterday.

He said this was part of Malta’s contribution to helping Libya develop its educational sector.

Following a bilateral meeting with Mohamed Magarief, the President of the Libyan National Congress, Dr Gonzi said an agreement had been reached in principle on setting up a Malta College for Arts, Science and Technology (Mcast) campus. The Misrata campus, he said, would offer vocational courses chosen by the Libyan authorities according to the country’s priorities.

A memorandum of understanding has also been signed for the use of the Libyan institute in Ta’ Giorni to be used as an upgraded teaching institution, giving EU-recognised courses delivered by key Libyan professors and teachers.

Dr Gonzi said the educational sector was just one of an array of subjects discussed during his meeting with Dr Magarief.

On irregular migration, Dr Gonzi said that while Malta would like to see this issue resolved, it was of utmost importance to remember that at the core of the matter was a human tragedy.

Dr Gonzi said Malta was willing to help Libya whenever it was asked, including in the fields of civil protection, border control and acting a bridge between Libya and the EU.

Dr Magarief thanked Malta for helping the Libyan people during the country’s revolution, adding that the Maltese would forever remain in the hearts of the Libyan people.

He said there was a harmony and agreement on all issues discussed during their meeting and added that he looked forward to a “strong and unique era” in the relations between Malta and Libya.

“We want to engage in a partnership where everyone is winning and this will be the first step to rebuilding relations with the rest of the world,” he said.