Visiting Libyan Prime Minister of the interim Government of National Unity Abdul Hamid Dbeibah (C-L) attends a welcome ceremony held by Malta's Prime Minister Robert Abela (C-R) in Valletta, Malta, on Sept. 10, 2021. Malta and Libya on Friday signed an agreement that will pave the way for the resumption of flight services between the two countries after a seven-year hiatus. (Photo by Jonathan Borg/Xinhua)
VALLETTA, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Malta and Libya on Friday signed an agreement that will pave the way for the resumption of flight services between the two countries after a seven-year hiatus.
The announcement was made at the press conference by Libyan Prime Minister of the interim Government of National Unity Abdul Hamid Dbeibah following talks with Malta's Prime Minister Robert Abela in Valletta.
Describing it as a "special agreement," Dbeibah said that the agreement will allow the resumption of air travel between Malta and various airports in Libya "with full respect of civil aviation protocols."
Flights between Malta and Libya were stopped in 2014, when unrests began in the North African country. Malta's national airline, Air Malta, flew to Libya for the first time in July as part of assessments for more regular flights.
The two prime ministers also discussed bilateral relations, migration, health and economic issues as well as the possibility of Malta being used as a training center of Libyan forces.
Abela said at the press conference that Malta and Libya can collaborate in several fields, such as health, energy, border control, immigration and the fight against organized crime. He described Libya as a "trusted friend" and said he was determined to improve cooperation between the two countries in the coming months and years.
Abela identified the energy sector as one where new opportunities for both countries can be created. He recalled that Malta has opened its embassy in Tripoli and has now started processing visa applications.
"Malta is ready to do anything to ensure that stability and peace reign in Libya, and then if that continues to reign, as brothers, we can address our common challenges," Abela said. Enditem
