Minister for Foreign Affairs Giulio Terzi made a visit to Mogadishu this morning – unannounced for reasons of security – where he met at Villa Somalia with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon Saacid.
The last visit by an Italian foreign minister to Mogadishu was in 1992, and this by Minister Terzi is the only post-transition visit by a European foreign minister thus far.
During his meetings Minister Terzi expressed “Italy’s full support for the Federal Republic of Somalia” and, at the same time, its “adoption of a Constitution respectful of fundamental human rights”.
The chief of Italian diplomacy also reiterated that “Italy will continue to lend its strong and determined support to Somalia in the crucial sectors of security and counter-piracy”, and pursue activities of assistance already under way, particularly in the areas of justice and police, in which context Terzi also pointed out the Italian Development Cooperation’s strategic role.
The Somali President and Prime Minister communicated their “great appreciation for the high political and symbolic value” of Minister Terzi’s visit.
The foreign minister is already on his way back to Rome.
