The Armed Forces of Malta will be offering assistance to Libya in setting up a search and rescue capability to monitor Libyan waters and respond to requests for assistance, commander Martin Xuereb said.

Brigadier Xuereb was speaking on Wednesday during a conference in Doha, Qatar, which was organised by the Committee of Friends who Support Libya on the express wish of National Transitional Council Chairman Mustafa Jalil. The conference was called to help determine the way forward in post-Gaddafi Libya.

Brig. Xuereb highlighted Malta’s support to Libya’s cause and reiterated Malta’s intent to support Libya in the implementation of proper border management practices.

Malta would also offer to assist the Libyan Civil Aviation Authority in the management of Libyan airspace, he said.

Mr Jalil acknowledged the vital roles played by Nato and other states, including Malta, in helping Libya overthrow Muammar Gaddafi’s dictatorship.

He said assistance was needed from the international community in helping Libya to prevent the proliferation of weapons, provide oil sector security, conduct security sector reform, reintegrate former rebels into civil society and implement proper border management.