Libya is looking forward to signing bilateral agreements with Cyprus relating to oil and natural gas supply and exploitation and strengthen cooperation in key sectors of the economy, Libyan Minister of Justice Mustafa Mohamed Abdel Jalil told reporters on Tuesday after a meeting with the Cypriot Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Antonis Paschalidis.
“We look forward to signing agreements with Cyprus in the fields of oil and natural gas. There are many areas of cooperation that are vital for both countries”, said the Libyan Minister.
He added that he discussed with the Cypriot Minister various ways of cooperation, especially after the return of Libya to the international arena and the economic openings which the country has made to the world. He explained that Libya wishes to bolster ties in every field with Cyprus, given the friendly and neighborly relations between the two countries.
The Libyan Minister and the Cypriot Minister discussed cooperation on trade, industry, tourism and energy matters. Abdel Jalil said that Libya has sufficient quantities of oil and natural gas which it can supply to others, noting that Libya will give priority to neighboring countries.
Minister Paschalides assured of Cyprus’ readiness to upgrade economic, trade and tourist relations with Libya. He said that there are ongoing discussions regarding the delimitation of the exclusive economic zone between Cyprus and Libya and that the discussions are in “on a good path”.
The President of the National Petroleum Agency of Libya paid an official visit to Cyprus two months ago to discuss energy issues and the Cypriot Minister of Commerce is expected to visit Libya for official contacts.
The Libyan Minister is in Cyprus to head a Joint Intergovernmental Meeting which will review existing economic agreements between Cyprus and Libya.
Earlier today the Libyan Minister of Justice, in a meeting with his Cypriot counterpart Loucas Louca, assured of his support for the political issue in Cyprus as well as for the continuing support of Libya for the rights of Cyprus.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.
