MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo on Monday traveled to Italy for an official three-day visit at the invitation of Italian PM Giuseppe Conte, Garowe Online reports.

The office of the president said in a statment that Somali and Italy leaders will hold bilateral talks on re-strengthening relations, mainly in the areas of political, security and economic cooperation between the two nations.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Isse Awad, Villa Somalia Chief of Staff, Amina Said Ali, advisers, diplomats and other high-ranking Government officials are accompanying the president on his first visit to Italy.

"Somalia and Italy maintained strong friendship based on mutual interests, trust, and respect. Italy is one of Somalia’s reliable allies," Villa Somalia tweeted.

During his stay, Somali president he will meet with his Italian counterpart Sergio Mattarella.

Italy which is one of the western countries re-opened their embassies in Mogadishu recently gives military and financial aid to the UN-backed Somali government as the country is on the path for recovery.

GAROWE ONLINE