Officials said the government of Prime Minister Tony Blair invited Libya to the first major Western arms exhibition since the easing of defense sanctions by the European Union in 2004. They said major British contractors have been briefing Libya's delegation at the Defence Systems & Equipment International, or DSei exhibition, which ends on Sept 16.
"I believe that Britain, as a major importer and exporter, is well placed to understand the interests and concerns of other trading countries," British Secretary of State for Defence John Reid said. "We aim to champion the case for more open defense markets."
More than 50 countries, including Middle East states, have been invited to DSei, sponsored by the Defence Services Export Organisation, DESO. In addition to Libya, DSei has been attended by Algeria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia.
