Updated | Malta to sign Libyan memorandum of understanding

Bilateral talks between Malta and Libya began this afternoon as the North African country struggles with a security vacuum and the threat of internecine conflict.

Vella, earlier this week, appealed to EU foreign ministers to ensure that the EU improves its engagement with Libya and help the country out of its current state of uncertainty.

Tripoli had been relatively quiet following a call by the Tripoli Local Council (TLC), for a three-day strike over the Gharghour carnage to continue until Friday. The TLC called for renewed protests against the presence of all militias in Tripoli to take place at Martyrs Square on Friday.

The call followed a breakthrough in getting militias to quit the capital with the announcement on Sunday night by Misurata leaders that all its forces would depart the city within three days. The last brigade met the deadline today.

The Misratan decision was a response to the rising public anger in Tripoli following last Friday's massacre where a government and army official were killed.

The talks between Malta and Libya are expected to focus on the cooperation of both countries on various sectors such as health, education, culture, energy and commerce, and are expected to last until tomorrow.

Foreign Affairs Minister George Vella welcomed his counterpart Mohamed Emhemmed Abdul Aziz and said that such talks should help to further develop an-already 'solid' relationship between Malta and Libya.

"We are behind Libya and its people and we hope to ensure security and prosperity for both our countries," Vella said.

Meanwhile, Abdul Aziz said that the Libyan delegation - made up of 24 Libyan government officials - was "enthusiastic" about the visit and that they were all looking forward to fruitful and long-term cooperation with Malta.

"Our wish is to proceed on issues that are of mutual interest to both our countries, and it is very encouraging that our political wills coincide," he said, whilst also stressing that it was important that the talks were 'selective' in order to fully concentrate on the issues at hand.