Mogadishu, Somalia – The Minister of Defense, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, met with the newly appointed Italian Defense Attaché, Navy Captain Antonino Mazzocca, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Mogadishu on Saturday.
The encounter provided a formal introduction for Captain Mazzocca while offering a strategic opportunity to evaluate the enduring defense partnership between the two countries.
The discussions centered on strategies to strengthen military cooperation. A primary focus was improving the operational capabilities of the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) through expanded specialized training conducted by Italian military personnel.
Additionally, both sides examined avenues for greater logistical and technical support to modernize Somali military facilities and promote sustainable capacity development.
Italy continues to be a vital contributor to Somalia’s security sector reform efforts, offering substantial support through bilateral arrangements and the European Union Training Mission. Fiqi highlighted the significance of maintaining this collaborative relationship as Somalia progresses toward assuming complete security responsibilities.
The meeting concluded with a shared pledge to enhance the strategic defense alliance, with future efforts designed to meet the priority requirements of the SNAF.
