EU Ambassador Bids Farewell to Somalia As Foreign Minister Hails Strengthened Partnership

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Foreign Minister Abdisalam Ali has met the European Union’s ambassador to Somalia, Francesca Di Mauro, as she concludes her diplomatic mission in the country, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to maintaining close cooperation between Mogadishu and Brussels.

The farewell meeting marked the end of Di Mauro’s tenure in Somalia, during which the European Union remained one of the country’s leading international partners, supporting security, governance, humanitarian assistance and development programmes.

According to Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Minister Abdisalam praised the ambassador’s contribution to strengthening relations between Somalia and the European Union, describing her tenure as one that helped deepen political dialogue and cooperation.

He also congratulated Di Mauro on her appointment as Director for Africa at the European External Action Service (EEAS), the EU’s diplomatic arm, calling it recognition of her experience and engagement with the continent.

The minister thanked the European Union for what he described as its continued support for Somalia’s state-building efforts and expressed hope that cooperation would continue to expand in areas of mutual interest.

For her part, Di Mauro reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to its partnership with Somalia, with the two sides agreeing on the importance of maintaining close collaboration as the country pursues political, security and economic reforms.

The meeting comes at a significant moment in Somalia’s relations with the European Union. Brussels has remained one of Mogadishu’s largest development and humanitarian donors while also providing support for security sector reforms and the African Union’s stabilisation mission in Somalia.

The ambassador’s departure also coincides with a period of growing engagement between Somalia and its international partners as the government seeks greater investment, advances constitutional and electoral reforms, and works to consolidate security gains against Al-Shabaab. Analysts say continuity in relations with key partners such as the European Union will remain central to Somalia’s long-term development and regional stability.