Somali Defense Minister Discusses Enhanced Military Cooperation with New Italian Attaché MOGADISHU, Somalia — The Minister of Defense of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, met with the newly appointed Italian Defence Attaché to Somalia, Navy Captain Antonino Mazzocca, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Mogadishu on Saturday.
The meeting was a formal introduction for Captain Mazzocca and a strategic opportunity to review the ongoing defense partnership between Italy and Somalia. During the discussions, Minister Fiqi and Captain Mazzocca highlighted key strategies to strengthen military cooperation.
A focal point was the enhancement of the operational capabilities of the Somali National Armed Forces through specialized training initiatives by Italian military experts. They also discussed increasing logistical and technical support to modernize Somali military infrastructure and foster sustainable capacity building. Italy has been a significant partner in Somalia’s security sector reform, contributing through bilateral agreements and the European Union Training Mission.
Minister Fiqi emphasized the importance of this continued collaboration as Somalia seeks to take full responsibility for its security.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to deepen the strategic defense relationship, ensuring future initiatives align with the priority needs of the Somali National Army. Further details regarding the specific training programs and infrastructure projects are expected to be announced in the coming days.
Source: sonna.
