TRIPOLI, Dec 19: Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin held talks with Libyan leader Muammar Qadhafi on Sunday to deepen ties as he seeks to promote Canada as uniquely placed to help resolve international problems.
Mr Martin's visit comes exactly one year to the day since Libya's shock announcement it would abandon weapons of mass destruction. The oil-rich country has since returned to the international fold.
"Although this is the first visit to Libya by a Canadian prime minister, we are seeking cooporation with Canada in Africa, particularly on solving the problem of Darfur (in Sudan)," said Foreign Minister Mohammed Abdel-Rahman Shalgam.
"Libya is seeking to activate the role of Canada politically and economically as well as to assist the afflicted people in Africa," he told Reuters. Mr Martin, who arrived in Libya on Sunday, is keen to play a greater role in a world dominated by the United States.
In one year he has visited Latin America, Africa, Russia and Europe to press the message that his country has a unique role to play as it has built effective democratic institutions but has not been a colonial power.
"This visit proves that between Libya and Canada there is closer collaboration in all kinds of directions," Canadian Foreign Minister Pierre Pettigrew told Reuters. Promoting Canadian businesses will also feature high on His trip. -Reuters
