MOGADISHU – Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama has emphasized Somalia’s enduring relationship with Italy, characterizing it as a connection founded on years of friendship and collaboration.
During events in Mogadishu to observe Italy’s Republic Day, Salah offered his congratulations to the Italian people and government, noting the deep historical connections between both nations.
“This anniversary marks the 1946 referendum when the Italian people opted for a republic over a monarchy,” stated the Deputy Prime Minister. “I extend warm wishes to the Italian population and leadership on this significant national milestone.”
Somalia maintains great appreciation for its continuous partnership with Italy, which stands as one of the nation’s most trusted European allies and a crucial supporter of Somalia’s progress, institutional growth, and recovery programs.
Strengthening Strategic Partnership
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre held a productive meeting with Italian Ambassador to Somalia, Pier Daccò Coppi, at his office in the capital, with high-level talks centered on strengthening bilateral cooperation and advancing key development initiatives funded by the Government of Italy. Prime Minister Barre expressed gratitude for Italy’s longstanding and unwavering support to the Somali people and government, particularly in healthcare, infrastructure, and state-building.
The meeting took place on the same day as the High-Level Steering Committee of the “Towards Peace and Stability in Somalia” (TPSS) programme convened in Mogadishu, where Ambassador Coppi and the Prime Minister officially approved a new intervention to rehabilitate and operationalise the Sheikh Ahmed Gabyow Hospital in the Adale district of Hirshabelle State. The TPSS programme is funded by Italy through AICS and implemented by the Office of the Prime Minister, with an initial allocation of €3.82 million.
Health Sector Investment
Italy launched the “Quality and Equal Primary Health Services for All in Somalia” (QEPHS) initiative to strengthen key national health institutions, including De Martino National Referral Hospital, the National Blood Bank, and the National Health Professionals Council. Ambassador Daccò described the initiative as “an investment in the long-term resilience and sustainability of Somalia’s health system.”
Prime Minister Barre praised the long-standing historical ties between Somalia and Italy, highlighting decades of cooperation in diplomacy, education, development, and humanitarian assistance. He also updated the Italian envoy on the federal government’s recent achievements in security, economic recovery, and preparations for planned one-person, one-vote elections aimed at expanding democratic participation.
President Hassan Sheikh Addresses Italy-Africa Summit
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud attended the Italy-Africa Summit in Addis Ababa, where he called for a shift from conventional aid to strategic partnership. The event united African heads of state with Italian representatives to forge enhanced bilateral ties, with discussions focused on the Mattei Plan, an Italian initiative designed to invest in fundamental sectors that promote sustained stability and development.
Somalia’s delegation emphasized that the partnership must transition from traditional cooperation models to those based on African priorities and ownership. “Somalia’s focus is unambiguous: building resilience, generating opportunities for young people, enhancing food security, and connecting our economy with regional and international markets,” officials stated.
Italy’s Commitment to Somali Stability
Prime Minister Barre praised the historical ties between Somalia and Italy, highlighting decades of cooperation in diplomacy, education, development, and humanitarian assistance. Ambassador Coppi expressed appreciation for the warm reception and reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s development priorities and ongoing state-building efforts.
Italy has intensified its development cooperation with Somalia in recent months. Italy has also expanded its engagement beyond the capital, including a historic mission to Garowe that launched a strategic initiative for sustainable fishing and the development of the blue economy, implemented by UNIDO. The project aims to transform subsistence fishing into a modern, competitive business system.
Looking Ahead
His comments arrive as the Federal Government works to enhance ties with global partners while implementing reforms, economic advancement, and rebuilding projects throughout Somalia. Italy has sustained a close relationship with Somalia for many years and continues to back initiatives in education, healthcare, governance, infrastructure, and security. Both nations have also broadened their collaboration in sectors including vocational training, cultural exchange, and professional development.
The Deputy Prime Minister’s statement highlighted Mogadishu’s dedication to further intensifying cooperation with Rome and nurturing a relationship characterized by both sides as strategic and advantageous to both. These remarks demonstrate Somalia’s wider diplomatic strategy of reinforcing alliances with nations that have substantially contributed to the country’s nation-building and development objectives. The meeting between Prime Minister Barre and Ambassador Coppi underscores the enduring partnership between Somalia and Italy. As Somalia continues its path toward stability and self-reliance, Italy remains one of its most steadfast international partners, supporting projects in healthcare, governance, infrastructure, and economic development.
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