Mogadishu: Somali Defense Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi emphasized the importance of the strategic partnership between his country and the European Union (EU), especially in supporting the Somali armed forces, which contributes to combating armed groups and piracy, and enhancing security and stability at the national and regional levels.

According to Qatar News Agency, this statement was part of the minister's participation in the dialogue sessions between Somalia and the EU, which focused on issues of peace, stability, and security. The Somali minister highlighted the developments in military operations against armed groups and discussed the security challenges facing the region. He also outlined the Somali government's vision for restructuring and developing defense institutions, particularly during the transition phase related to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

The minister explained that the Somali Armed Forces, with the support of local forces and international partners, have intensified their operations in the central and southern parts of the country. These efforts aim to weaken the capabilities of armed groups, secure residential areas and strategic roads, and expand state authority and stabilization efforts.

He further stressed that the security transition process is based on full Somali leadership, military readiness, accountability mechanisms, and ongoing reforms in defense institutions. These reforms include force management, payroll, and verification and monitoring systems.