Updated | Energy Minister meets Qatari counterpart in 'normal, routine visit'

Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi on Monday met his Qatari counterpart Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada at the Qatar Petroleum headquarters, Qatari news portal Gulf Times reports.

According to the news portal, Mizzi and the Qatari Minister for Energy and Industry discussed matters of mutual interest and means to enhance co-operation in the energy sector between the two countries.

Also in attendance was Enemalta CEO Louis Giordimaina. The Gulf Times also reported that senior officials of Qatar Petroleum, and Qatar Petroleum International were present.

It is not known whether the trip was in any way related to the Delimara gas plant or whether any talks on the issue were held.

In comments to MaltaToday, a ministry spokesperson said talks where held "on areas which the two countries can cooperate and collaborate on".

Energy issues were also discussed.

Whilst no explanation was given as to why Giordimaina accompanied the minister to the visit, the spokesperson said that other officials from Enemalta and the Office of the Prime Minister were also present.

Questioned by MaltaToday, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said the government didn't feel the need to publicise the visit because it was "a normal, routine visit".

"Like we are doing on several occasions, energy-related issues were discussed during the meeting," he said.

Muscat also refrained from explaining the presence of Giordimaina and senior officials of Qatar Petroleum, and Qatar Petroleum International insisting the visit was "nothing special".