Abu Dhabi, 16th April 2012 (WAM) - UAE is looking forward for broader cooperation with Libya in economic and administrative sectors for the best interest of the Libyan people, Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, affirmed today.

He said during talks with the visiting Libyan Foreign Minister, Ashour Ben Khayil that the UAE has been standing with Libya since the eruption of its revolution.

The UAE minister referred to the recent meeting between His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Prime Minister of the Libyan Transitional Government Abdurrahim al-Keeb, during which Sheikh Mohammed expressed optimism over the future of Libya and its ability to build a modern state.

The Libyan foreign minister paid tribute to the UAE for its substantial support to the Libyan people. He said :'' The people of Libya holds profound regards and respect to UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the UAE leadership for their support for the Libyan people. We, in Libya, need the UAE experience in various spectrum of training and we welcome investment from UAE and cooperation between private sectors in both countries''.

The Libyan minister updated Dr. Gargash on the latest developments in Libya and evolution of its relations in its regional environment.

For his turn, Dr. Gargash briefed the visiting Libyan minister on consequences of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's visit the UAE island of Abu Mousa, affirming that the UAE would pursue its efforts to realise its sovereignty over its occupied territories in line with its policy of ironing out differences either through direct bilateral negotiations or resort to the International Court of Justice.

The Libyan minster asserted Libya's support for UAE's just, legitimate rights and demands to its occupied islands of Abu Mousa, Greater and Lesser Tunbs.

He noted that the Libyan foreign ministry had issued a statement, backing the UAE's legitimate rights.

WAM/TF