"Italy’s engagement in Africa is unique: the Sahel, Horn of Africa, Gulf of Guinea and Libya is where our security is decided: that’s why our current efforts must converge toward a systematized vision under the aegis of the European Union. The consequences of the crisis in this large area and the strong resurgence of the Jihadist terrorist threat impact the Mediterranean area and Europe", Minister Guerini stated at the end of his two-day visit in the Horn of Africa, where he met the Italian soldiers conducting missions in the area.
During his meetings with President of the Republic of Djibouti, Isamail Omar Guelleh and Minister of Defence Hassan Omar Mohamed Bourhan, who thanked him for the good job done by the Italian military, stated: "Djibouti plays a fundamental role for stability in the region, working as a facilitator and promoter of dialogue and cooperation between countries in that area. Let me express my praise for efforts done by the country to counter international terrorism". He then added: "Italy will continue to support the development of local security forces through our training programs".
In fact, Italy has recently once again assumed command of Operation Atalanta Naval Force, headquartered aboard Carabiniere Navy Ship. While visiting the Italian vessel Minister Guerini, accompanied by Italian Ambassador to Ethiopia Arturo Luzzi, in addressing Commander Operation EUNAVFOR Somalia Atalanta, Rear Admiral Luca Pasquale Esposito, and "Carabiniere" Commander Alessandro De Lucia , said: "The reason for our presence in waters so far away from our shores is ensuring maritime security by countering piracy, a phenomenon that keeps raising strong concern and is a severe threat to freedom of navigation for merchant ships as well as humanitarian aid transport".
In greeting the personnel engaged in the Italian Military Support Base (BMIS) to the mission in Djibouti and Bilateral Training Mission in favour of the Somali and Djibouti Police Forces, led by Col. Luigi Bigi and Col. Giuseppe Corso, respectively, underscored the importance of the job done by our military and Carabinieri in a reality such as Djibouti, (quote) "small but crucial for its strategic location in the region". The Minister then said: "International cooperation has always been the pillar of the Defence action, aimed at contributing to, and strengthening stability while ensuring peace. We intend to continue to take part significantly to European Union initiatives for the Horn of Africa. The Italian military presence also aims at protecting our national interests".
On his arrival in Mogadishu aboard an Italian Air Force C-130 aircraft Minister Guerini, accompanied by Italian Ambassador to Somalia Alberto Vecchi, met with Minister of State for Defence Mohamed Alì Hagaa. In his address, the Minister said: "The bond between our countries is based on historical roots. Somalia is a valuable indispensable partner. We are aware that the stability of the entire region rests on the prosperity of the Federal Republic of Somalia". He then added: "Italy – as requested by Somali authorities- will continue to operate side by side with the Somali Defence to train and conduct capability development activities in favour of its Security Forces".
Subsequently, still in Mogadishu, during his salute to the military engaged in the European Union Training Mission in Somalia (EUTM Somalia) led by Brigadier General Fabiano Zinzone, referring to the Italian command of the mission the Minister said: "This honour –let me underscore it with pride- is the result of your high professionalism and incredible day-by-day work in training the Somali forces. From counter-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Guinea to the Mission in Somalia, the Italian Armed Forces are engaged to improve local defence and security capabilities in Niger and Mali, where the first Task Force Takuba military unit arrived a few days ago, and a MEDEVAC helicopter squadron will deploy shortly". He concluded by saying: "We are providing our contribution to European, NATO and UN missions. Being there means working for peace and especially leaving no room to those who want to undermine stability".
