MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met Monday with a high-level delegation from the European External Action Service (EEAS) at the Villa Somalia presidential palace to discuss strengthening cooperation between Somalia and the European Union, according to a statement from the presidency.
The EEAS delegation was led by Mr. Jonas Jonsson, Director for Africa, and accompanied by the European Union Ambassador to Somalia, Ms. Karin Johansson. The visit focused on deepening the multifaceted partnership between Somalia and the EU, spanning governance, security, development, humanitarian aid, and institution-building.
President Mohamud expressed gratitude for the EU’s longstanding commitment to Somalia, especially its role in supporting state-building, peacekeeping efforts, economic development, and democratic governance.
“The President commended the European Union for its consistent support and highlighted the importance of strengthening strategic cooperation to ensure stability and inclusive progress across the country,” the statement said.
The EU, through its various programs and missions, remains one of Somalia’s key international partners. It has contributed to capacity-building in the Somali security forces, supported electoral and constitutional reforms, and funded development and humanitarian initiatives across the country.
Discussions also touched on future areas of collaboration, including economic recovery, climate resilience, youth empowerment, and regional security dynamics.
The meeting comes at a time when Somalia is pursuing critical reforms aimed at enhancing federal governance and preparing for a transition of security responsibilities from international forces to Somali-led institutions.
