In a powerful signal of Mediterranean cooperation, Libya and Malta are rekindling their energy relationship with bold plans to co-develop oil and gas assets, marking a strategic shift toward regional synergy and economic renewal.

On May 5, Libya’s Minister of Oil and Gas, Khalifa Abdelsadeq, hosted Malta’s Ambassador to Libya, Charles Saliba, in Tripoli for high-stakes talks focused on energy investment and infrastructure collaboration. The meeting comes as Libya rolls out its first oil and gas licensing round in over 15 years, offering 22 exploration blocks across offshore and inland territories to international investors.

At the heart of the discussions was a shared vision to transform geographic proximity and historic diplomatic links into a powerful platform for energy cooperation. Minister Abdelsadeq emphasized Libya’s openness to foreign participation and reaffirmed the National Oil Corporation’s goal of ramping up daily production to two million barrels, a target seen as crucial for revitalizing Libya’s economy and reinforcing its status as a global energy player.

Malta, positioned as a stable EU member with close ties to North Africa, is poised to serve as a gateway for European and Mediterranean investors eyeing Libya’s untapped potential. Both parties are eyeing joint ventures, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and upstream projects as key areas of collaboration.

To institutionalize this budding alliance, Libya has proposed establishing a joint economic forum, with facilitation by the Maltese embassy. The forum would serve as a springboard for private sector engagement, bridging businesses from both nations in a shared push toward sustainable growth and regional energy leadership.

As Libya turns a new page on post-conflict recovery, its outreach to Malta not only reaffirms diplomatic goodwill but also positions both nations at the forefront of a dynamic, interconnected Mediterranean energy future.