MOGADISHU – Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali has held a farewell meeting with the European Union Ambassador to Somalia, Francesca Di Mauro, as she concludes her diplomatic mission in the country and prepares to take up a new role as Director for Africa at the European External Action Service (EEAS).
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, provided an opportunity for the minister to thank Ambassador Di Mauro for her contributions to strengthening EU-Somalia relations during her tenure, which began in September 2025 with her first official meeting in Mogadishu alongside the Speaker of the House of the People after presenting her credentials to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
A Partnership Built on Trust and Shared Ambition
Minister Ali commended Ambassador Di Mauro for her role in deepening cooperation between Somalia and the EU across multiple sectors, including security, governance, and economic development. He noted that her tenure coincided with a period of significant progress in the bilateral relationship as demonstrated by the high-level Partnership Dialogue held in Mogadishu in May 2026, which reaffirmed the commitment of both parties to cooperation on security, governance, migration, and economic development.
The EU has remained one of Somalia’s largest development partners under the Samoa Agreement, supporting programmes ranging from governance reforms and democratic transition to humanitarian aid and resilience-building as the bloc continues to affirm its steadfast support.
Deepening Cooperation Across Sectors
During her tenure, Ambassador Di Mauro was actively engaged in advancing EU-Somalia cooperation in maritime security, port modernization, and marine resource sustainability, with discussions focused on expanding cooperation in maritime security training, coastal investment opportunities, and support for fishing communities. She also reaffirmed the partnership in advancing the country’s digital transformation agenda and boosted military collaboration, including increased training initiatives, logistical and technical support to build an independent national defense force.
The EU approved a €75 million contribution to AUSSOM under the European Peace Facility, making the bloc the mission’s largest financial donor and bringing total support to successive AU-led missions in Somalia to nearly €2.8 billion over two decades.
Continued Commitment to Somalia
Minister Ali congratulated Ambassador Di Mauro on her new appointment as Director for Africa at the EEAS, wishing her success in her new role. He reiterated that Somalia remains committed to strengthening its partnership with the European Union, which he described as a key ally in the country’s state-building and development efforts.
The EU has consistently supported Somalia’s democratic transition, with ongoing support for constitutional reforms, electoral processes, and institutional capacity-building.
Way Forward
Ambassador Di Mauro’s departure marks the end of a chapter in EU-Somalia relations, but both sides have expressed a commitment to continuing and deepening their partnership. As Somalia continues its transition toward stability and democratic governance, the EU’s support is expected to remain a cornerstone of its international engagement.
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