Mogadishu, Somalia – President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Thursday formally received Ambassador Francesca Di Mauro, the newly appointed European Union (EU) envoy to Somalia, at Villa Somalia, where she presented her Letters of Credence.
In a brief ceremony, President Mohamud welcomed the diplomat to Mogadishu and expressed Somalia’s readiness to further deepen its long-standing partnership with the EU. He praised the bloc’s support in areas of governance, security, humanitarian relief, and development, describing it as “vital to Somalia’s progress during this critical phase of nation-building.”
Amb. Di Mauro, for her part, conveyed the EU’s continued commitment to working closely with the Somali government and people. She noted that her tenure would focus on advancing cooperation in peacebuilding, institutional reform, climate resilience, and economic recovery.
The EU has been one of Somalia’s principal partners in reconstruction, contributing to stabilization programs, humanitarian assistance, and capacity-building initiatives across the country. The bloc also plays a key role in international coordination on Somalia’s security transition, debt relief, and development financing.
President Mohamud underscored that his administration is determined to strengthen Somalia’s institutions, ensure security sector reform, and deliver on national priorities in line with agreements with international partners, including the EU.
The presentation of credentials marks the official start of Amb. Di Mauro’s tenure, as she succeeds her predecessor in leading EU-Somalia relations at a pivotal time for the Horn of Africa nation.