MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia and Italy are seeking to expand cooperation in port management, logistics and professional training following a meeting between senior officials from the Mogadishu Port Authority and the Italian Embassy in Somalia.
Mohamed Ali Nur (Ameriko), director general of Mogadishu Port, on Thursday received Italian Ambassador to Somalia Pier Mario Daccò, Deputy Ambassador Lorenza Gambacorta and a visiting delegation to discuss opportunities for strengthening cooperation between the ports of Mogadishu and Trieste.
The discussions focused on professional knowledge exchange, specialized training and improving logistics services, as Somalia seeks to develop the operational capacity of its maritime and port infrastructure.
Four Somali Students Selected for Training in Italy
A key component of the engagement is an educational initiative that will provide four Somali students with an opportunity to pursue a two-year programme in port management and logistics at ITS Accademia Nautica in Trieste, Italy.
The programme will be implemented through the FORLIS project, with the participation of Ahmed Faghi Elmi, chairman of ANOLF FVG APS, an organization involved in supporting the initiative.
The training is intended to equip the selected students with professional knowledge and practical skills in port administration and logistics, areas considered important to the development of Somalia’s maritime sector.
Mogadishu–Trieste Partnership
Cooperation between the ports of Mogadishu and Trieste is expected to provide opportunities for exchanging technical expertise and experience in port operations, logistics management and professional development.
For Somalia, strengthening port management capabilities is particularly relevant as Mogadishu Port remains an important gateway for international trade and the country’s commercial activities.
The engagement also reflects the potential role of international partnerships in supporting the development of specialized skills and institutional capacity within Somalia’s maritime industry.
Italy Supports Somali Youth Development
During the meeting, Nur thanked the Italian government and the regional administration of Friuli Venezia Giulia for their support of the FORLIS project and their contribution to expanding educational opportunities for Somali youth.
The initiative brings together port-sector cooperation and professional education, linking institutional partnerships with opportunities for young Somalis to acquire specialized qualifications.
The meeting forms part of broader efforts to strengthen relations between Somalia and Italy, with particular emphasis on port development, logistics cooperation and investment in professional skills.
No specific financial commitments or timeline for additional port cooperation projects were announced in the statement.
