Africa News
Libyan rebels promise Malta 'distinguished' role
Sep 18, 2011, 18:21 GMT
Valletta - Malta would have a 'distinguished role' in the rebuilding of Libya, Transitional National Council chairman Mustafa Mohammed Abdul Jalil promised Sunday.
During a surprise visit to Malta, Jalil and interim Libyan Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril thanked the smallest EU state for the humanitarian and medical assistance it provided during the uprising against Moamer Gaddafi's regime.
'Malta is our closest neighbour, we share historical ties, we share the Mediterranean culture, and we look forward to strong relations in all fields,' Jalil said, during a news conference with Maltese Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi.
'We will benefit from Malta's experience in development and reconstruction. We have the resources but we lack the expertise,' he said.
Jalil also thanked Malta for granting asylum to two Libyan pilots who had refused to bomb civilians near Benghazi last February. The two pilots flew back to Tripoli to a heroes' welcome on Sunday.
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