Ibrahimović meets with representatives of Türkiye’s Ministry of Health

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović met today with Aziz Alper Biten, Director General for European Union and Foreign Affairs of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye, and Serdar Şenol, General Manager of International Health Services Inc. (USHAŞ), with whom he discussed opportunities to further enhance and intensify cooperation between the two countries in the field of healthcare.

Ibrahimović assessed that the excellent political relations and intensive dialogue between Montenegro and Türkiye provide a strong basis for developing concrete cooperation in areas of mutual interest, particularly in the healthcare sector, taking into account Türkiye's significant achievements and experience.

Particular emphasis was placed on improving opportunities for Montenegrin citizens to receive medical treatment in Türkiye, including the possibility of receiving treatment in public healthcare institutions. In this context, Ibrahimović highlighted the need to intensify activities on the revised Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Health and Medical Sciences.

The meeting also addressed possibilities for organising specialised training for Montenegrin doctors and medical staff, particularly in areas where adequate expertise is not available in the region.

One of the topics discussed was the initiative to establish a diagnostic centre in Podgorica, with the support of Turkish healthcare institutions and USHAŞ, with a particular focus on the early detection of diseases, including oncological diseases. Ibrahimović expressed Montenegro's readiness to discuss with the Turkish side ways to further develop this initiative.

Particular attention was paid to the digitalisation of the healthcare system. Ibrahimović informed his interlocutors that Montenegro is developing the institutional and technical prerequisites for establishing a modern digital healthcare system, and expressed interest in exchanging experiences and drawing on Turkish expertise in this area.

The interlocutors also discussed opportunities for cooperation in healthcare infrastructure and medical equipment. Ibrahimović presented planned projects, including the construction of the University Clinical Hospital Centre in Podgorica, a new general hospital in northern Montenegro, as well as the reconstruction of healthcare and rehabilitation facilities in Igalo and Ulcinj, inviting Turkish partners to consider opportunities for cooperation and participation in the implementation of these projects.

The meeting also addressed the potential for cooperation in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in light of Montefarm's plans to launch the production of certain types of medicines. In this context, Ibrahimović invited Turkish companies to consider opportunities for cooperation and investment in this area.

The interlocutors assessed that there is significant scope for further strengthening cooperation and agreed to continue communication with a view to defining concrete projects and activities.