Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health Ian Borg led a Maltese delegation to Benghazi, Libya, where discussions addressed developments in the country and opportunities for cooperation in various sectors, including education, health, trade, energy and infrastructure.
The delegation included Minister for the Economy, Technology and Strategic Projects Silvio Schembri, Minister for Education and Sport Byron Camilleri, and Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Employment Jonathan Attard, as well as Cabinet Secretary Ryan Spagnol and Head of Secretariat at the Office of the Prime Minister Mark Mallia.
The visit began with a meeting with General Saddam Haftar, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces. Discussions focused on the historical, cultural and commercial relations between Malta and Libya, as well as the potential to translate these ties into closer cooperation for the benefit of both peoples.
During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister Borg reiterated Malta's support for efforts to unify Libya's institutions and for a political solution that would bring lasting peace and stability.
“On behalf of the Maltese Government, I led this delegation to Benghazi to follow up on progress in talks on Libya's reunification and explore opportunities for cooperation in various sectors, including education, health, trade and energy. We also visited projects and sites of interest, and we will continue working to ensure that these discussions lead to tangible results," said the Deputy Prime Minister.
The delegation also visited the Julyana Free Zone and the port, where it was briefed on the zone's development and opportunities related to trade and logistics.
During a visit to the University of Benghazi, possibilities for academic collaboration with Malta were explored. Among the areas discussed were postgraduate study opportunities, including master's programmes in Arabic language and archaeology. These talks open the way for further knowledge exchange and stronger ties between the two institutions.
The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that Malta remains committed to peace and dialogue. “We look forward to working with a stable and secure Libya and contributing together to the progress of our region. We believe that dialogue and a political solution are the path towards lasting peace and further development in the Mediterranean region," Dr Borg concluded.
