The Libyan Foreign Minister, Najla Al-Mangoush, has urged Malta to speed up the procedures of signing an MoU in customs cooperation with Libya, adding that the two countries need to set up feasible mechanisms to combat smuggling of goods and drugs.
Al-Mangoush, who visited Malta on Tuesday, said the two countries should also cooperate in security intelligence exchange as per the trade agreement that was signed in July 1971.
Meeting with the Maltese Foreign and Finanace Ministers in Valetta, Al-Mangoush discussed illegal immigration and border security as well as resuming flights between Libya and Malta so that trade and investment work can thrive between the two countries.
“We have agreed to hold an economic forum for commerce chambers and businesspersons of the two countries to boost cooperation. We have also seen eye to eye on boosting cooperation in fighting organized crime and fuel smuggling as well as drugs and other goods’ smuggling operations, in addition to working to resolve the issue of Libyan aircraft – Global 5000 – of the United Airliner that are in Malta for maintenance.” The Foreign Minister said, according to a statement by the Ministry.
Meanwhile, Maltese officials reiterated support for stability in Libya and said Valetta was a bridge between Libya and Europe to achieve peace in the Mediterranean and Europe in general, saying that the Maltese embassy in Tripoli and consulates in Benghazi and Misrata will reopen soon.
