Links between Malta and Libya have been strengthened

Links between Malta and Libya have been strengthened with the operation of a new cargo service run by Mediterranean Maritime Services. The company is jointly owned by three companies: the Malta-based Zammit Group's subsidiary VPJ Limited; Turkey's Fergun Shipping's subsidiary Kucuk Shipping; and the Libya-based BH International. The M/S Azzurra – which can accommodate 700 passengers, 70 cars or 25 semi-trailers and up to 40 20-foot containers - will leave Valletta every Monday and Friday at 18.00hrs and arrive at Tripoli on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 10.00hrs, before leaving again for Malta on the same day of arrival at 18.00hrs, entering Malta Grand Harbour on Wednesdays and Sundays at 10.00hrs. Prices per passenger start from €85 and freight prices start from €500. The twice weekly service will also call in at Misrata.

Meanwhile, Libya-owned Afriqiyah airline resumed its non-stop service between Tripoli and London's Gatwick airport on 3 July. The service, which uses an Airbus A320 aircraft which can seat up to 160 passengers, is currently thrice weekly.

Dubai's Belhasa Trading and Development has opened a Tripoli branch. Its managing director, Samer Malkawi, - stating that it would mainly trade in automobiles, trucks, minivans and buses and sundry spare parts, plus equipment, machines and spare parts for oil and gas wells and storage - said Libya was a country of promise.

In early July, government defence spokesman, Nasser al-Mana, said that some Libyan troops would be trained in France and that 36 army doctors would also receive medical training overseas.

For more news and expert analysis about Libya, please see Libya Focus and Libya Politics & Security.

© 2012 Menas Associates