The recent turbulence in Malta’s immediate neighbour to the south has brought into stark focus the phrase “man’s inhumanity to man”.

There is no knowing where the violence will end and what destruction will be left behind. Libya has needed major infrastructure improvements for many years and when the bloodshed is over the country may take many years to merely catch up with where it was before the uprising.

However, the purpose of this letter is to comment on the true grit of the Maltese people as personified in their Prime Minister, Lawrence Gonzi. At such a time, any country looks to its head to give exceptional leadership. Malta received it from its Prime Minister. When two military jets arrived on Maltese soil one would not blame such a small nation if, under pressure, the jets were allowed to return to Libya.

But this would have demonstrated a nation and a Prime Minister lacking resolve. No such lack of resolve was in evidence and Dr Gonzi should be recognised internationally as a true statesman who was certainly punching above his weight.

In its response in other ways, including helping to evacuate Egyptians from Tunisia with its much criticised airline, Air Malta, Malta demonstrated compassion and leadership. It should be a source of pride also, that Malta’s national carrier helped rather than Easyjet or Ryanair!

The crisis will hit Malta in many ways and one has to have great sympathy with the individuals and companies that have been hit by the mass evacuation and cessation of work in Libya. But it is to be hoped that when the conflict ends, Libya, along with nations generally, will see in Malta a country that acted with such honour and courage – not for the first time.