PRIME MINISTER BACK FROM OFFICIAL VISIT TO LIBYA

PRIME MINISTER BACK FROM OFFICIAL VISIT TO LIBYA

To further establish the good relations between the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya and the Republic of Malta and in respose to an invitation extended by the Secretary of the General People's Committee, the Hon. Dr. E. Fenech Adami, Prime Minister of Malta, undertook a friendly visit to the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya during the period 12-13 April 2000. He was warmly received in a manner which demonstrated the friendly relations between the two countries.

Colonel Muammar Gaddhafi, Leader of the Great First September Revolution, received his distinguished guest. During this reception, friendly and detailed discussions were held. Bilateral relations and horizons were reviewed, as well as international issues of common interest.

During this visit discussions between the Libyan side and the Maltese side were held, emphasising support for the friendly relations between the two countries. They also sought to improve these relations in all spheres. In this conneection it was agreed to set up a joint technical committee charged with the task of expeditiously resolving any issue which could arise from time to time and furthermore agreed to intensify political consultations.

The two sides also emphasised the importance of the strategic dimension of the Mediterranean basin and agreed to promote and support co-operation among Mediterranean States as well as to put forward initiatives to render the Mediterranean a sea of peace.

The Maltese side expressed its appreciation for the efforts that the Great Jamahiriya and Colonel Muammar Gaddhafi, Leader of the Great September Revolution, are exerting to support and assist the Republic of Malta. The Maltese side also expressed its appreciation for the increasing role that the Great Jamahiriya is playing at the international level towards achieving development and stability among African States.

The Libyan side expressed its appreciation for the continuous co-operation that the Republic of Malta gave the Great Jamahiriya within the sanctions regime. The Libyan side appreciated the Maltese Government's view that Malta's E.U. policy would strengthen further the Mediterranean dimension of the European Union.

The Prime Minister of Malta extended an invitation, in his name and in the name of the President of Malta to the Leader of the Great September Revolution to visit Malta at an opportune time. This invitiation was accepted by the Leader with thanks.

D.O.I. 13.4.2000

 Please note that Press Release No 478 entitled Prime Minister Back From OfficialVisit To Libyaissued on 13^th April, 2000 was an agreed Press Release following the Prime Minister's meetings in Libya.

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