Senator John McCain is in Malta on his second visit in just over two years.

He is accompanied by Senator Lindsey Graham, Senator Mark Kirk and Senator Marco Rubio.

The senators had talks with Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi at the Auberge de Castille this morning and thanked him for Malta's role in the Libyan uprising, including assistance given for the evacuation of American workers.

Senator McCain was among the most forceful American politicians to call on the Obama administration to back the Libyan rebels, soon after the uprising started.

Speaking to timesofmalta.com after visiting St John's Co-Cathedral, Senator McCain, who is to visit Libya, said he would tell the Libyan government and people the US was prepared to assist “in any way possible” as they go down the path to democracy.

“I will congratulate them on their victory and tell them the US is working as hard as it could to make sure Libyan assets are freed up to ensure sufficient funds are available for the authorities to carry out their governmental functions,” he said.

Senator McCain said that in his talks with Prime Minister Larwence Gonzi his delegation discussed how Malta and the US could “work cooperatively” to help the people of Libya.

The former presidential candidate last visited Malta in December 2008 on his way back from Afghanistan. He had discussed US-Malta relations and the situation in the Mediterranean.

Senator McCain currently serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee, the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and the Committee on Indian Affairs.