TIRANA, March 24/ATA/ Albania and Italy will cooperate to improve the legal framework in the field of pharmaceuticals, towards further approximation of the Albanian pharmaceutical system with the best European practices.

During the meeting with representatives of the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA), Minister of Health and Social Welfare Evis Sala focused on the steps being taken to improve citizens' access to safe, quality and effective medicines, in accordance with European standards.

While Albania is taking steps ahead with the European integration process, the modernization of the legal and regulatory framework is a necessity not only for fulfilling integration obligations, but also for guaranteeing citizens' access to safe, quality and affordable medicines.

Talks highlighted the need for a sustainable pharmaceutical market model that balances public interest, patient safety, and industry attractiveness.

In this context, it was highlighted the significance of the new reform in the pricing and supply of medicines, as well as the measures aimed at strengthening the sustainability of the system.

Both sides paid particular attention to possible institutional cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding, which is currently in the discussion phase and would create an important basis for the exchange of experience, technical assistance and capacity building in areas of strategic importance such as strengthening strategic capabilities in health technology assessment (HTA), GMP inspections, pharmacovigilance, and regulatory cooperation to ensure drug safety and quality control.

The parties shared the stance that cooperation with AIFA could significantly contribute to accelerating the approximation of the Albanian framework with European standards and to fulfill the obligations arising from the process of Albania's integration into the European Union. /e.i/a.f/p.s./