Qathafi, Elio Mary discuss Africa's conditions, France, Libya resume defense cooperation

France and Libya resumed their defense cooperation on the occasion of the visit of the French defense minister Michaeil Mary to Tripoli where she met on Saturday with the Libyan leader col. Muammar al-Qathafi in Bab al-Azazeyah palace.

Mary and the secretary of the general committee for defense Lt. gen. Abu Baker Yunis Jabber signed a framework agreement that defines the defense relations between the two countries and constitutes the first phase for a practical resumption of defense bilateral cooperation. This agreement includes three aspects: strategic dialogue, military cooperation and armament and states the foundation of a bilateral committee for all these issues.

Elio Mary stressed to journalists "Libya's desire to put an end to its programs on mass destruction weapons and to return back fully to the international community." She considered "our interests are common especially the stability of certain areas and fighting smuggling." All issues justify the "resumption of joint efforts" between Libya and France. In the defense sector this in particular means the establishment of military cooperation and the exchange of information.