Najat Al-Shaief, the Director of Consular Affairs at the Foreign Ministry at the Government of National Unity (GNU), hosted Maltese Consul Jonathan Engerer and his deputy, Gabriel Camenzuli, at the ministry’s headquarters.
According to a statement from the Dbeibah Foreign Ministry, the meeting focused on discussing several important issues and challenges faced by the Libyan community residing in Malta and some Maltese nationals in Libya.
Both sides agreed and coordinated efforts to diligently resolve these difficulties, working with relevant authorities in both friendly nations.
Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela has announced a plan to build a massive solar farm on the Libyan coast, which will be connected to Malta via a power cable. This initiative aims to enhance cooperation between the two countries and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Abela made this announcement while participating in the Mediterranean Migration Forum held in Tripoli. He emphasized that Malta does not see Libya merely as a transit country for migrants but as a nation with significant economic potential for Maltese interests and the renewable energy sector.
Abela noted that the project, which will be implemented under a memorandum of understanding signed in July 2023, will help reduce carbon emissions and stabilize energy prices in Malta. The project also showcases a visionary approach to energy that extends beyond meeting domestic needs.
“This project will enable Malta to sell excess energy to European markets and contribute to Libya’s stability, ensuring a better future for its people,” Abela added.
He highlighted the importance of Malta-Libya cooperation in combating illegal migration, stressing the need to balance the protection of migrants’ rights with ensuring their return to their home countries.
“Investing in Libya will help prevent migrants from moving northwards, improve their living conditions, create new job opportunities, and control smuggling and exploitation networks that profit from migrants’ suffering,” Abela explained.
He further mentioned that countries like Libya are under immense pressure due to migrant inflows, and Malta and Europe can assist by investing in education, healthcare, and providing new job opportunities for the youth.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
