Somalia, Italy Agree to Deepen Defense Cooperation and Support AUSSOM Mission

GOOBJOOG NEWS | ROME: Somalia and Italy have agreed to step up defense cooperation and accelerate joint security projects following high-level talks between Somali Defense Minister Ahmed Macallin Fiqi and his Italian counterpart Guido Crosetto in Rome.

The two ministers committed to expanding collaboration in maritime security, capacity building, and counter-terrorism, and to mobilizing financial and technical support for the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

The meeting produced a shared plan to fast-track joint initiatives under Italy’s Mattei Plan, aimed at boosting stability and sustainable development in Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa.

Officials said the strengthened partnership will improve training for Somali forces, enhance regional maritime surveillance, and reinforce ongoing counter-terrorism operations against Al-Shabaab.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to long-term defense cooperation, describing the talks as a key step toward advancing Somalia’s security transition and regional peace efforts.