Updated 2 p.m.

President Eddie Fenech Adami early this afternoon had longer-than-expected talks with Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi in Tripoli. A Maltese government delegation is currently meeting the Libyan Prime Minister.

The talks, which included lunch, were held in a tent in a compound where Col Gaddafi lives. No details of what was discussed were immediately available.

The presidential delegation went straight to Col Gaddafi's compound after being given a ceremonial welcome when it arrived in Tripoli late this morning for a two-day state visit.

Dr Fenech Adami was greeted by the secretary of the General People's Committee, Miftah Muahmmed K'Ebda and inspected a Libyan army Guard of Honour as the national anthems of the two countries were played by a military band.

The President is accompanied by Foreign Minister Tonio Borg and Social Policy Minister John Dalli.

The Maltese government is seeking a breakthrough in talks on oil exploration in waters which both countries claim as their own. The waters may be explored jointly by the two countries.

Other issues expected to be discussed include illegal immigration, tax cooperation and an agreement on health services.