Aid from Italy to the Federal Government of Somalia to increase the country’s capacity to control its territory and combat terrorism now exceeds 1 million euros. The material supplied to the Somali federal institutions includes satellite antenna, electricity generators and security systems for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
And in Mogadishu a ceremony to deliver 30 police vehicles and uniforms and equipment for the Somali forces of law and order took place recently. The material was transported by the Italian Air Force in a Hercules C130, with the ceremony taking place at Mogadishu International Airport. The airport is the base for the Folgore Brigade, which acts as a quick reaction team as part of the European Union Training Mission (EUTM) led by Brigadier General Massimo Mingiardi. Italy’s Diplomatic Office, which opened in January 2012, is also based at the airport.
Donations the fruit of Italy’s commitment to Somalia, says Ambassador Mazzella
Ambassador Andrea Mazzella said that “these donations are the fruit of the Italian Government’s widespread and renewed commitment in Somalia in all sectors. A commitment that has intensified in recent years, following the opening our diplomatic office. In January 2014, Italy, in the person of Brigadier General Massimo Mingiardi, took over the command of the EUTM. We have also drawn up cooperation agreements in the security sector, in support of the federal armed forces and the police. And it is to support Somalia’s police forces that the Carabinieri are working on the second training course, for 200 people, which will take place in the coming months at the police academy in Djibouti”.
Somali Prime Minister thanks Italy and the Italians for their support
Somalia’s Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed thanked Italy and the Italians “for their continuing support. Italy is the country that knows us best, in view of our long-standing ties of friendship and solidarity and the shared history linking our two peoples. We look to Italy to help us embark on a safe pathway to peace and stability”.
Those attending the Italian aid handover ceremony included Brigadier General Mingiardi, the Chiefs of Staff of the Somali Army and Navy, an representatives of the Federal Government and of the Ministries of Defence, National Security and Foreign Affairs.
Development Cooperation aid
The Somali people also receive help and support from Italy in the humanitarian and infrastructure sectors. Thanks to Italian funding, Mogadishu’s De Martino Hospital has re-opened and a medical centre in the village of Eyl in Puntland has been renovated, And work is about to start on rebuilding the runway at Bossaso Airport, where international cargo planes with the capacity to carry humanitarian aid to the population will be able to land.
