MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s Prime Minister, Hamza Abdi Barre, on Monday held talks with Italy’s ambassador to Somalia, Pier Daccò Coppi, focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation and advancing key development initiatives, according to the Somali government.
The meeting, held at the Prime Minister’s office in Mogadishu, centred on expanding collaboration in development, diplomacy and humanitarian assistance between Somalia and Italy, a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said.
During the discussions, Prime Minister Barre was briefed on the progress of three major hospital construction projects currently underway in Afmadow in the Lower Juba region, Xarardheere in Mudug, and Cadale in Middle Shabelle. The facilities are being financed by the Italian government as part of its broader development support programme for Somalia.
Barre praised the long-standing historical ties between Somalia and Italy, highlighting decades of cooperation in diplomacy, education, development and humanitarian assistance.
The Somali premier also updated the Italian envoy on the federal government’s recent achievements in security and economic recovery, as well as preparations for planned one-person, one-vote elections aimed at expanding democratic participation in the country.
For his part, Ambassador Coppi expressed appreciation for the warm reception and reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s development priorities and ongoing state-building efforts.
Italy remains one of Somalia’s longstanding international partners, supporting projects in infrastructure, healthcare, governance and humanitarian relief as the Horn of Africa nation continues efforts to rebuild institutions and improve public services after decades of conflict.
