Peace deal in Libya important for Mediterranean security – Grech

The Maltese government was looking forward to seeing negotiations with the warringt factions in Libya  progress in the right direction with a view to arriving at a comprehensive solution.

In a bilateral meeting with Abdussalam El Badri, deputy prime minister Louis Grech said that a comprehensive settlement of differences was important both for the people of Libya, as well as for security in the Mediterranean and in the international community.

The two deputy prime ministers agreed that terrorism was a global issue and that the situation in Libya required the active and effective participation of both Europe and the United Nations.   

“Terrorism could be aided and abetted by the criminal organisations involved in human trafficking,” a statement issued by the office of the deputy prime minister said.

El Badri said migration should be addressed at its source, in the transit countries and at the destination. Grech added that a comprehensive plan of action that covers the short, medium and long term goals was also needed. 

The latter could include what he has called for on various occasions, namely a sort of Marshall Plan to lift impoverished countries out of their situation.

Grech referred to the Valletta Summit taking place later on this year, which he described  as an opportunity for Libya to make its voice heard and to clarify its position on a number of issues.

Grech pledged support to Libya in order to find a rapid, comprehensive and lasting solution. He assured El Badri that Malta would continue working in the European fora with this in mind.

The two also discussed economic relations between the two countries and agreed on convening the 28 Malta-Libya Mixed Commission at the earliest opportunity once stability in Libya is secured.

Areas of possible collaboration which they mentioned include oil and aviation support; education and health services; and reconstruction works in cities and other infrastructure facilities in Libya.