ROME - Italy is on the forefront of supporting Somalia politically and economically, Prime Minister Mario Monti said Wednesday after meeting in Rome his Somali counterpart Ali Mohamed Abdiweli.

Italy is accompanying Somalia in the "delicate process of pacification and reconciliation," Monti said according to a statement released from his cabinet.

He pointed out the Somali reconciliation conference in London on February 23 will be an important step to gain support from the international community for the pacification of the African country torn by a 20-year-long civil war.

For his part, the Somali premier assured a commitment in fighting terrorism and piracy.

"Monti stressed the need for rapid and effective action against piracy, reiterating his hope that the Somali authorities do everything in their power to free the Italian ship Enrico Ievoli, "the statement said.

The ship was seized by pirates off the coast of Oman last December with 18 people on board, including six Italians, five Ukrainians and seven Indians.