ROME, Feb 14 – Somalia on Friday called for a renewed partnership between Africa and Italy grounded in African priorities and respect for sovereignty, two years after the first Italy–Africa summit in Rome pledged to move beyond traditional models of cooperation.
Speaking in reference to the landmark summit, Somali officials said the new framework should focus on strategic infrastructure investment aimed at fostering stability and sustainable economic growth. “Africa must determine its own destiny,” Somalia said, stressing that development efforts must strengthen social services, create jobs for young people, ensure food security and connect national economies to regional and global markets.
Mogadishu underlined that Africa’s progress must be anchored in the protection of sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence, in line with the principles of the United Nations and the African Union. It warned that unilateral actions targeting Somalia’s sovereignty — citing Israel in particular — undermine the international system and must be firmly rejected.
The government called on African Union member states to oppose all forms of foreign interference that weaken international law, fuel regional instability and erode trust between nations.
Emphasizing that peace and development are inseparable, Somalia highlighted the importance of security cooperation between Italy and African partners. It expressed gratitude for Italy’s support to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), the AU-led mission assisting Somali authorities in stabilisation efforts.
Somalia said it stands ready to deepen cooperation with Italy and other partners involved in the Mattei Plan, guided by mutual trust, shared responsibility and a unified vision for a prosperous Africa.
