Italy’s top military commander, General Luciano Portolano, has arrived in Mogadishu for high-level talks aimed at boosting Somalia’s defense capabilities, underlining a renewed commitment to combat terrorism and promote regional stability.

Portolano was received at Aden Adde International Airport by Somali Deputy Army Commander General Maadey Nurey Sheikh and senior defense officials. Closed-door discussions at Somali National Army (SNA) headquarters focused on expanding counterterrorism efforts, with a particular emphasis on confronting Al-Shabaab and other Khawaarij groups.

Training programs, intelligence sharing, and modernization of military operations were also central themes.

Italy has long-standing historical ties with Somalia and has played a consistent role in its post-independence development. In recent years, Italy has contributed to the EU Training Mission in Somalia (EUTM-Somalia) and provided maritime and counterinsurgency support.

Analysts suggest Portolano’s visit could catalyze new Italian investments in defense infrastructure and lead to the establishment of joint military training facilities.

The visit is expected to culminate in new agreements aimed at solidifying bilateral military cooperation. The Somali presidency also signaled that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud plans to meet Italian defense leaders in the coming months to further the agenda.

This deepening alliance comes as Somalia continues to battle persistent insurgent threats, with international backing seen as key to long-term national and regional security.