Wednesday February 14, 2024
In this official photo provided by Villa Somalia, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia is seen centered, during a pivotal meeting held at Villa Somalia in Mogadishu. To his left, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chief of Defense Staff of Italy, identifiable by his black beret, and to his right, Major General Ibrahim Sheikh Muhyadin, head of the Somali National Army.
Mogadishu (HOL) - President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chief of Defense Staff of Italy, in Mogadishu on Tuesday. The leaders said the meeting was a major step toward strengthening security cooperation between the two countries. Part of an ongoing series of high-level talks aimed at improving bilateral ties, the engagement is centred on the combined fight against terrorism and strengthening Somalia's security apparatus.
The inclusion of Major General Ibrahim Sheikh Muhyadin, the head of the Somali National Army, in Tuesday's talks further illustrates the comprehensive approach to addressing security concerns. This approach aligns with Italy's recent pledge to Somalia, particularly during Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio's visit in June 2022. Di Maio's visit, which was the first by an Italian foreign minister to Somalia in over a decade, set a precedent for collaboration in rebuilding Somalia's armed forces, providing drought relief, and fostering economic development.
This latest dialogue draws from a series of strategic interactions, beginning with President Mohamud's official visit to Rome in early February 2023. During his visit, the President engaged with key Italian figures, including President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, to explore avenues of mutual interest, such as investment, industry, and education.