France and Libya agree to boost militray cooperation

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Libya and France have agreed to look into boosting maritime security and controlling the North African country's borders. French Defense Minister Gerard Longuet and his Libyan counterpart Osama al-Juwali met in Tripoli to discuss the issues and sign a letter of intent.

Longuet says Libya's strategic position joining Africa with the Mediterranean makes it an exposed territory. He says the two sides will set up a joint working committee. Longuet says it will bring together military staff, engineers, technicians and diplomats.

Al-Juwali thanked France for the leading role it took in backing last year's unrest against Muammar Gaddafi's rule. He says France will provide the assistance Libya needs, including a maintenance program for Libya's Mirage jet fighters.

Longuet also met the chairman of Libya's ruling National Transitional Council, Mustafa Abdel Jalil.

Libya and France have agreed to look into boosting maritime security and controlling the North African country's borders.

Libya and France have agreed to look into boosting maritime security and controlling the North African country's borders.