On Thursday, Prime Minister of Malta Robert Abela, Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri, and Foreign Affairs Minister Evarist Bartolo returned from an official visit to Tripoli where they met with Prime Minister of the Government of National Accord (GNA) Fayez Al-Sarraj.
The officials discussed the latest developments in Libya and a number of joint cooperation ventures.
Discussions revolved around the need to push the EU to help Libya train its coastguard, obtain funding for disembarkment camps manned by the UN, as well as a realistic strategy to slow down the flow of migrants into Libya.
Abela also reiterated his support for the GNA, stressing that there was no military solution to the crisis.
The Maltese Prime Minister urged the warring parties to work towards a political solution that would achieve a lasting peace.
During the visit, the two sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to combat illegal migration and strengthen bilateral relations.
“It was a positive meeting, though of course that doesn’t mean we’ve resolved the migration issue. Malta could be Libya’s bridge to the EU. We need to stop human trafficking as well as save lives at sea,” a source reported.
Valletta, diplomatic sources say, has been trying to build stronger ties with the Libyan authorities to stem the tide of migrants leaving the North African nation.