ROME, Oct 18, 2025 – Somalia and Italy have pledged to deepen defence cooperation following high-level talks in Rome between Somali Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi and his Italian counterpart Guido Crosetto.
The meeting, held during Minister Fiqi’s official visit to Italy, focused on strengthening bilateral ties in key areas, including maritime security, military training, capacity building for the Somali National Army (SNA), counter-terrorism efforts, and support for the EU mission AUSSOM.
Both sides agreed to accelerate joint projects under Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa, aimed at enhancing development and security cooperation with the continent.
The two ministers also underscored the historic relationship between Somalia and Italy and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration to promote peace and stability in the Horn of Africa region.
The visit marks another step in Somalia’s broader strategy to expand international security partnerships amid ongoing efforts to rebuild its national defence institutions and combat extremist threats.
