LOC19:53
16:53 GMT
LONDON, May 24 (KUNA) -- The UK and Libya will work together to develop a
modern and reliable communications infrastructure in Libya, spreading the
practice of open government, it was announced here Thursday.
A Memorandum of Intentions on e-Libya was signed by UK Minister Lord Green
and the Libyan Minister of Communications Anwar El Feitouri in London today,
the Foreign Office said in a statement on its website.
The two sides are seeking to cooperate in support of the E-Libya
initiative's goals of improving quality of life in Libya through technology;
and catalyzing the development of a Libyan knowledge economy.
"Desiring, therefore, to cooperate and benefit from the warm and friendly
relations between both governments, to leverage the extensive knowledge of the
UK government in areas including information and Communication Technology
(ICT) strategy.
Secondly the establishing of a regulatory framework and a Physical ICT
infrastructure.
There was also a common goal of promoting open government and transparency
in Libya, and recognizing the role E-Libya will play in the advancement of
that goal, so that Libya may in future join the Open Government Partnership.
This Memorandum of Intentions is not legally binding and does not
constitute an obligation of funds.
The Participants, based on the experience, technical expertise and best
practices in the implementation of cooperation for the E-Libya Initiative,
intend to conduct joint activities of technical cooperation, with a view to
identifying opportunities on mutually decided terms of enhanced investment
opportunities in the country, responsive government activities, increased
access to technology; and strengthening the infrastructure and technological
innovation systems of Libya, by means of coordinated use of personal,
technological and human resources, the statement added.
The UK will be sending technical experts from the United Kingdom, and other
governments and international private sector organizations to develop
proposals, provide technical and strategic guidance, training, and education,
as well as monitor projects and evaluate results.
The memorandum of Intentions is to be effective as of the date of its
signature.
Earlier today the visiting Libyan Prime Minister Abdurrahim El-Kieb met his
UK counterpart David Cameron to discuss the situation in Libya and mutual
co-operation between the two countries.
British Foreign Secretary William Hague took part in the meeting at Downing
Street. (end)
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KUNA 241953 May 12NNNN