Media releases
Tripoli, Libya, Saturday 13 July 2002 - MVT074/2002
Meeting with Qaddafi a Watershed Event: Vaile
Trade Minister Mark Vaile has described his historic meeting with
the son of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi as a watershed event in Australian
Libyan relations.
Mr Vaile, who is leading the first official Australian Trade Delegation
to Libya since the suspension of United Nations Sanctions against
the North African nation, today met for more than one hour with Saife
Al Islam Gaddafi.
Saife Gaddafi who is head of the Gaddafi Foundation for Charity Associations,
has been give the responsibility to direct Libya’s assimilation back
into the international community following the suspension of United
Nations sanctions against his country earlier this year.
“Our meeting, which lasted for more than one hour, provided me with
a unique opportunity to discuss trade and investment opportunities
between our two countries with the man who has direct responsibilities
for such matters,” Mr Vaile said.
“Saife Gaddafi has a very important role to play in Libya’s future.
“I found him to be a very engaging person, who displayed a genuine
interest in Australia and what we had to offer. He expressed particular
interest on behalf of the Foundation to invest in Australia.”
Mr Vaile said Saife Gaddafi was quick to point out the strength of
the relationship that exists between our two peoples.
“He recognised the significant contribution that Australian servicemen
made to the people of Libya during World War II, and acknowledged
the role they played in bringing peace to Libya almost 60 years ago.
“He sees the bond between Australia and Libya as very strong, and
he is very optimistic about future trading relations between our two
countries.
"We discussed a lot of opportunities for cooperation that would
benefit both sides and I'm very optimistic, it's a good start.”
Mr Vaile will hold further meetings with representatives of the Libyan
Government over the next two days, before departing for Singapore
on Sunday afternoon.
Media Contact: Mark Croxford +61 02 6277 7420
Local Date:
Friday, 05-Dec-2008 14:07:01 EST
