Albana Koçiu, Minister of Health, and Orazio Schillaci, Italian Minister of Health, at the end of his visit to Tirana, held a discussion with academic staff and students of the University of Medicine. The meeting, organized by the Rector of the University, Prof. Dr. Xheladin Draçini, focused on the strengthening of academic and scientific cooperation and the implementation of joint projects in key areas of health care. Minister Koçiu emphasized the importance of expanding study programs and creating new opportunities for specialization and scientific research. She expressed her commitment to further strengthen the cooperation between Albania and Italy in the field of healthcare and discussed specific areas of academic and scientific cooperation between the two countries. “We believe that cooperation with Italy and short- and long-term specialization in key areas are important and will certainly add value to the healthcare systems of both countries. There are many things we’ve done together and many more we’re discussing for future implementation. And, of course, in all of these ideas, youth plays a key role,” said Koçiu.

She emphasized the importance of exchanging academic experiences, noting that one of the most important international cooperation agreements the university has and is seeking to expand is with the University of “Tor Vergata” in Rome. The cooperation with renowned Italian universities in the field of healthcare will support medical students and young professionals and ensure that they have the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills and prepare for the challenges in the healthcare sector. The Italian Minister of Health, Orazio Schillaci, also underlined the importance of such cooperation, stating that “the link between Albania and Italy is very strong, especially at this moment, as we have many cooperation projects in different areas of patient health and public health policies.” With the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, this partnership marks another important step towards modernizing medical education, enhancing scientific capacity, and preparing new generations of doctors.