The British Defence Minister Philip Hammond arrived in Tripoli on Tuesday to meet Libyan defense and security officials, and to open a security and arms fair on the Royal Navy warship HMS Kent (pictured).
The arms fair is organized by the UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) and it has been in planning for a number of months.
According to The Guardian, the UK is trying to boost military sales in Libya as it competes with other European countries such as France and Italy.
Libya Herald reports that other countries including the US and Russia are also trying to sell military equipment to Libya.
The British delegation reportedly includes former senior officer of the British Royal Air Force, General Nigel Maddox and member of the British Ministry of National Security, Dr. Andrew Murrison.
Speaking at a ceremony to welcome the British vessel to Tripoli, Ms. Gill Frazer, Deputy Head of UK Mission in Tripoli, said the visit by HMS Kent is a strong symbol over military cooperation between Libya and Britain.
“The UK remains steadfast in its support of the Libyan people and government to keep going on the direction of rebuilding the country after forty years of dictatorship,” Ms. Frazer said.
(Sources: Libya Herald, Libya TV, Tripoli Post, Ambassador Michael Aron)
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