By HAN News Desk
MOGADISHU — Somalia’s State Minister for Ports and Maritime Transport, Mohamed Abdulkadir, on Friday received a European Union delegation at the Port of Mogadishu, underscoring ongoing cooperation between Somalia and the EU in developing the country’s maritime infrastructure.
The visiting delegation was led by the European Union’s Ambassador to Somalia, Francesca Di Mauro, and included senior officials involved in maritime development and security cooperation.
The meeting, held at the Port of Mogadishu, was attended by the port’s deputy managers, Dr. Ali Haji and Abdullahi Karshe. Discussions focused on the development and modernization of Somalia’s ports, the European Union’s support for the Federal Government of Somalia’s plans to expand and upgrade the Port of Mogadishu, and issues related to maritime safety and security.
Officials from both sides explored opportunities for cooperation in port infrastructure modernization, improving maritime services, and strengthening security along Somalia’s vital sea lanes, which are critical for international trade and regional stability.
During the visit, the EU delegation conducted an inspection tour of several sections of the capital’s main port, observing ongoing operations and recent improvements aimed at increasing efficiency and capacity.
Somali officials emphasized the strategic importance of ports to the country’s economic recovery, noting that maritime infrastructure plays a central role in trade, revenue generation, and national connectivity.
The visit forms part of broader efforts by the Federal Government of Somalia to deepen international partnerships to develop key economic infrastructure, with ports regarded as a backbone of Somalia’s trade and maritime economy.
The European Union has been a longstanding partner in Somalia, supporting initiatives related to governance, security, and economic development, including maritime security and anti-piracy efforts in the Horn of Africa.
