The Maltese-Libyan interface

Abstract

This analysis tries to outline the main issues of the relationship between Malta and Libya. It focuses on the 70' s and the 80' s, that is, the beginning of an interface born out of two independent foreign policies with a Mediterranean dimension: Libya's foreign policy advocates a Third Way, outlined in the Green Book whilst Malta's foreign policy is geared towards non-alignment. Both countries have their own mode of survival - Libya is an oil-rich rentier state whilst Malta must struggle to have a sound economic structure. They also have completely different systems of government. However, economic and geopolitical considerations threw these states in the hands of each other.