Monday June 13, 2022
Source: SONNA
Mogadishu (HOL) - President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with Italy's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Luigi Di Maio, on Sunday, where the two discussed bilateral; relations, particularly the European Union Training Mission in Somalia.
Di Maio congratulated President Mohamud on his election and expressed the Italian Government's support for development plans in Somalia.
Somali state media reported that the foreign minister and President Mohamud discussed collaborating to rebuild the country's armed forces, provide drought relief, reduce debt, and increase international investment in the country's resources.
Di Maio's visit marked the first time an Italian foreign minister visited Somalia in over a decade. The most recent visit was made in 2012 by former Minister Giulio Terzi.
Di Maio will continue his East Africa tour after his trip to Somalia with stops in Ethiopia and Kenya.
Di Maio will meet President Uhuru Kenyatta and Foreign Minister Raychelle Omamo during his stop in Nairobi on Monday and Tuesday.
In Addis Ababa, Minister Di Maio will meet top Ethiopian leaders, including Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, President Sahle Work Zedwe, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen.
