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Somalia, Italy discuss military support and cooperation

President Hassan Sheikh has today received Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chief of the Defence Staff of Italy. (X/Villa Somalia)

By Hassan Mohamed | Tuesday, February 13, 2024

The two discussed Italy's military support and cooperation with Somalia.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia met with Italian Chief of Defence Forces Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone at Villa Somalia Presidential Palace on Tuesday.

The two discussed Italy's military support and cooperation with Somalia.

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During the meeting in Mogadishu, which was also attended by Somalia Chief of Defence Forces Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Sheikh Muhyidin, the two sides mainly discussed security cooperation between Italy and Somalia.

"They discussed the security cooperation between the two countries, deepening of the existing relations, Italy's role in the rebuilding and training of Somalia National Army as well as the Italian support to Somalia towards the ongoing war with Al-Shabaab terrorists," read a statement shared by President Hassan's office.

Italy and Somalia enjoy historic relations. Italy colonised Somalia, which gained its independence from Italy, on July 1, 1960. Since then, the two countries have enjoyed cordial relations.

Italy's support to Somalia is both bilateral as well as multilateral. Italy supports Somalia in the areas of security, education, infrastructure development, economic development, health, education, and humanitarian assistance.

The countries renewed diplomatic relations in 2014 when Italy reopened its embassy in Mogadishu after closing it in 1991 when civil war broke out in Somalia.

Italy is the first contributor of men and equipment to the European Union Training Mission in Somalia (EUTM) as a form of collaboration and military training with the Somalia Ministry of Defence and the Somalia Armed Forces.

Italy was among the countries that sent their forces to help Somalia regain peace and stability during the onset of the Somalia civil war in 1992 under the US-led United Nations Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Mission (UNOSOM).