By IANS
Madrid : Spain and Libya have agreed to promote bilateral cooperation in economic sector that would open large areas to Spanish investment in the north African country, EFE news agency reported Wednesday.
The agreements signed at the end of Libyan leader Muammar al Ghaddafi’s first state visit to Madrid also include pacts on immigration and an understanding on joint anti-terror campaign.
Spanish and Libyan officials said the business agreements mainly in the energy and infrastructure sectors would open for Spanish companies possibility of investment worth up to $17.3 billion on Libyan soil.
Both Ghaddafi and Spanish King Juan Carlos agreed that the two countries should jointly tackle concerns like terrorism and immigration.
“At a time of increasing interdependence, the issue of security is a challenge and requires international cooperation,” the king said.
Ghaddafi said terrorism seeks to end stability of nations “with absolutely no concern for the interests of the people”.
The signing of the accords in the areas of economy, defence and terrorism marks a new beginning in bilateral relations, Ghaddafi said.
The Libyan leader said “common roots, culture and blood” unite the two countries. “We have almost the same blood,” he said.