Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-In a recent interview with a local TV station in Mogadishu, Italian Ambassador to Somalia, Pier Mario Daccò Coppi, highlighted Italy’s ongoing commitment to supporting Somalia’s economic development and security efforts.

He emphasized that sectors such as infrastructure, energy, the blue economy, and mining hold immense potential for growth, but security remains a key factor in driving development.

Ambassador Daccò Coppi noted that initiatives have been launched in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), funded by the Italian Agency for Cooperation, to establish support centers for small and medium-sized Somali enterprises.

These centers will be located in Mogadishu, Kismayo, and Baidoa. The ambassador also highlighted Italy’s commitment to Somali entrepreneurs’ participation in international trade fairs through the Italian fund, further strengthening ties between Somali and Italian private sectors.

On security, the ambassador underlined Italy’s role in providing military support, including personnel for the European Training Mission for Somali Armed Forces, led by Italy since 2014. Italy also contributes to the EUCAP mission to enhance police and maritime security, offering scholarships for Somali cadets at prestigious Italian academies. Additionally, Italian forces have been actively involved in training Somali police in Djibouti.

The ambassador concluded by mentioning that Italy is offering helicopters to assist the Somali government’s efforts in combating security challenges, reiterating Italy’s firm support for Somalia’s stabilization and growth.