Skopje, 24 April 2026 (MIA) - Health Minister Azir Aliu met Friday in Skopje with Montenegro counterpart Vojislav Šimun, reaffirming the joint commitment for further enhancement of bilateral cooperation, with a focus on European integration.

"We expressed readiness for further enhancement of bilateral cooperation in the segment of the countries' healthcare systems. We exchanged experiences related to the process of aligning the national legislation with the EU law, as well as the dynamics and methodology of accession negotiations. We paid special attention to Chapter 28 that relates to public health, as one of the key segments in the process of alignment with European standards," said Minister Aliu.

Discussions also tackled the joint participation in the South-eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) and the significant role of the Podgorica-based regional center for non-communicable diseases and the regional center for public health systems in Skopje.

"We also referred to the opportunities for further exchange of experts and medical staff, cooperation in prevention of non-communicable diseases, as well as strengthening of public health, digitalization and exchange of good practices through joint applications within regional and EU programmes," said Aliu.

Interlocutors also highlighted the importance of continued institutional support with the aim of ensuring sustainable and efficient reforms in the health sector, for the purpose of enhancing the quality of health protection, in line with the EU principles and values.

Minister Šimun shared Montenegro's experience in the EU accession process and primarily Chapter 28, which will soon be closed. In addition, he briefed Aliu on Montenegro's participation in the EU4Health programme and expressed readiness to share these experiences, especially in the aspect of digitalization of health systems and use of European mechanisms in support of health reforms, the Ministry of Health said in a press release.

Photo: Ministry of Health