Concerns over Islamic State entrenching itself in Libya - Vella

UN special envoy to Libya in talks with Malta's Foreign Minister. Video by Ray Attard

Foreign affairs minister George Vella has expressed his concerns about the possibility of the Islamic State entrenching itself in Libya. The longer the country remains unstable, he said, the greater the risk of this happening.

Reports of Islamic State presence in Libya have already surfaced.

Vella spoke during a press conference after a meeting with the UN special envoy to Libya Bernardino Leon that was held yesterday.  He called the meeting productive and intense but declined to give details, saying it was too early to do so.

The meeting, he said, proved Malta's important role in these talks and that it was a good location for such meetings to take place. 

Vella said that the situation in Libya was "put on the backburner" while Europe's attention was diverted to Ukraine, Syria and Iraq.

On his part, Leon said that the situation in Libya was of concern for the Mediterranean region, Europe and the rest of the world.

"The mood in the UN towards Libya is more focused towards solutions," Leon said. "The important role of Malta in resolving the situation in Libya was proven last night in the meeting."

Economy minister meets Libyan counterpart

Maltese Economy minister in talks with his Libyan counterpart.

Minister for the economy Chris Cardona has met with Libyan Minister of Economy and Investment Manbar Asr.

The meeting, which was held behind closed doors, focused on the relationship between Malta and Libya. Hundreds of Maltese workers operate in Libya, in businesses ranging from multi-national corporations to small traders. 

"Dialogue is the best option at this stage," Cardona said. "It is now up to the Libyan government to take strategic measures."

While Malta is interested in a democractic transition for Libya, without third party interference, Cardona said, it also wanted Libya to begin forming strong partnerships with countries like Malta. 

Minister Asr said, "We would like Malta to be one of the Libyan govenrment’s first partners, if you have the passion for it."