Mogadishu, 03rd December 2019 –The Deputy Director and Chief of Staff of the EU Military Planning and Conduct Capability, Major General Erminio MAIO, paid a visit to the European contingent in Mogadishu from the 26th to the 29th of November, welcomed by the Mission Force Commander, Brigadier General Antonello DE SIO.
After a dedicated Office Call with the Mission Force Commander, the highest Officer met the key elements of the Headquarter, received a briefing containing the most relevant information about the 6th Mandate of the Mission and preside at the EU Medal Parade Ceremony.
During the visit in the Area of Operation, Maj. Gen. Maio, accompanied by Brig. Gen. De Sio, had the opportunity to meet several prominent stakeholders, who constantly collaborate with EUTM Somalia. Among them, the Somali Ministrer of Defence, H.E. Hassan Ali Mohamed, the European Ambassador to Somalia, H.E. Nicolas Berlanga, the AMISOM Deputy Force Commander in charge of Support and Logistics Major General George Aggrey Owinow, the Chief of Staff of the Somali National Armed Forces, Brigadier General Mohamed Ali Barise and the EUCAP-S Head of Mission, Mr. Chris Reynolds.
Maj. Gen. MAIO also had the chance to visit Villa Gashandiga, seat of the Ministry of Defence and the Somali Defence General Staff, the XOOGA Hospital and the General Dhagabadan Training Centre as well.
All the activities conducted have highlighted the strong cooperation in the Country, emphasizing how coordination and mutual understanding are adding value to the support provided by the International Community to the Somali Defence Institutions.
Before leaving, Major General MAIO signed the Honor Book of the Mission, praising all the EUTM Somalia personnel for their work in favour of the build-up of the Somali National Armed Forces and creating the condition of a more stable Nation.
EUTM Somalia personnel are working in close cooperation with the Somali Ministry of Defence and Defence General Staff in order to support and improve their overall capabilities, facilitating the development of planning and Command and Control competences.
