ROME, (HAN) — Somalia’s defense minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, met Friday in Rome with his Italian counterpart, Guido Crosetto, to discuss expanding cooperation on defense, maritime security, and counterterrorism, officials said.
The talks focused on strengthening defense collaboration, developing the Somali National Army (SNA), and ensuring continued support for AUSSOM, the African Union’s new mission replacing ATMIS. Both sides also discussed joint efforts to combat the al-Shabaab insurgency and stabilize Somalia.
The ministers agreed to accelerate projects under Italy’s “Mattei Plan,” a government initiative to deepen partnerships with 15 African countries, including Somalia. The plan, named after ENI founder Enrico Mattei, emphasizes mutual benefit and sustainable development rather than traditional aid.
Through the plan, Italy aims to support energy, infrastructure, education, and migration management projects in Africa. Somalia is expected to benefit from investments in security sector reform, coastal defense, and institutional capacity-building.
Italy has maintained a long-standing partnership with Somalia and has recently sent senior military officials to Mogadishu to assist with training and defense reorganization. Crosetto said supporting African nations such as Somalia and Libya is vital for shared regional stability and to curb irregular migration.
“Helping Somalia build a capable defense system contributes to preventing insecurity and irregular migration, which directly affects both Africa and Europe,” Crosetto said.
Fiqi welcomed Italy’s continued support and said Somalia is committed to taking full responsibility for national security as African Union troops gradually withdraw.
The two ministers reaffirmed their countries’ historical ties and pledged to hold regular consultations to follow up on joint defense projects under the Mattei Plan.
