Libya had the resources but not the expertise and, thus, it would benefit from Malta’s experience in development and reconstruction, National Transitional Council chairman Mustafa Abdul Jalil said during a flying visit to the island last night.

Malta would play a “very distinguished role” in the rebuilding of his country, Dr Jalil said.

“Proximity is more important than blood-relations,” he said, describing Malta as Libya’s “closest neighbour”.

Addressing a joint press conference at Castille with Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Libya’s interim Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril, Dr Jalil said the two countries shared historic ties and the Mediterranean culture.

Dr Gonzi said Malta offered to take another 25 Libyans for medical treatment. It also intends to send a high-profile delegation to Tripoli, including members of the business community, to explore opportunities for cooperation.

“We have provided a humanitarian hub whenever it was needed and will continue to do so in coming weeks and months depending on the wishes and priorities of the Libyan government,” Dr Gonzi said as he congratulated the Libyan leaders on their efforts and progress.

Malta could also contribute in the education of the Libyan people, Dr Gonzi said.

Dr Jalil, who appeared in high spirits and wrote a lengthy message of gratitude on the Prime Minister’s visitors’ book, thanked Malta for the humanitarian, medical and “military” support throughout the revolution.

Special reference was made to Malta’s granting of asylum to the two defecting Libyan pilots, who returned home yesterday.

“All of this expresses the depth of the relationship between our two countries,” he added.

Dr Jalil and Dr Jibril, who landed a few hours after the original estimated time of arrival due to flight delays, left for New York shortly after the press conference. This was Dr Jibril’s second visit to Malta within a week.