23/07/2015 - The commander of the Vertice Operativo di Vertice Interforze (COI), Army Corps General Marco Bertolini, recently visited the Command of the European Union Training Mission Somalia (EUTM Somalia), located in the Mogadishu airport area.

General Bertolini was received by Brigadier General Antonio Maggi, commander of the European contingent, who together with his international staff illustrated the activities and achievements to date.

The two Italian generals then went to Xoogga Hospital, where they met Somali Defense Chief of Staff, General Dahir Adan Elmi. On this occasion, medicines collected by the Associazione Nazionale Alpini and the Associazione Nazionale Carabinieri were distributed. The gen. Elmi expressed the gratitude of the Somali society for the donation and for the proximity that Italy shows through its military.

General Bertolini then met the Italian military and expressed their gratitude for their work and for how they represent our country.

Afterwards, the Jazeera Training Camp was visited, where COM COI met European trainers and Somali soldiers, students of the courses held at the facility. 

Italy provides the Mission with 65% of the staff, including staff officers, the operational component and a team of instructors.

The activities of EUTM Somalia take place within the framework of the EU's global commitment to the country, designed to respond to the priority needs of the Somali people and their government and to strengthen the institutions and stabilize the country.

Source: Ministry of Defense