The event was presided over by the Director General of the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC), Lieutenant General Michiel van der Laan, who officiated the transfer of responsibility between the two Italian Army Generals.

In addition, representatives from International Partners and Somali military and civil authorities attended the event, demonstrating the strong and historically deep bond between Italy and Somalia.

During his speech, Brigadier General Fulvio Poli first remembered the ultimate sacrifice of the civilian and military personnel who took part in military operations or civilian activities in support of the Somali people, serving as examples and inspirations for building a safer and more stable Somalia. He then highlighted the significant progress made by the Somali Armed Forces in recent years thanks to the joint efforts of EUTM Somalia and all international partners. In conclusion, General Poli thanked the men and women under his direct command during his long tenure, his family for their support, and wished his successor, Brigadier General Giuseppe Zizzari, a fulfilling term.

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Brigadier General Zizzari, in his address, stated he was honored to take on such a prestigious role, assuring that every effort would be made for the benefit of Somali institutions.

During the ceremony, General Poli was awarded the highest decoration for European Union operations in support of defense and security, the CSDP “Medal for Extraordinary Meritorious Service,” for his contribution to the reconstruction of peace and stability in Somalia.

Approximately 150 Italian soldiers operating in the Somali capital are part of the EUTM-Somalia mission, which aims to train the Somali Security Forces. The EUTM-S mission is complemented by military personnel from Greece, Finland, France, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and Serbia (the latter, a non-EU country, contributes by providing a first-level medical support component).

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