Swiss Ambassador Christoph Graf met today with the Mayor of Fier, Armando Subashi and with the Director of the Hospital, Kreshnik Ternova.

"Thank you for inviting me for having this first visit in the region of Fier. I would like to congratulate you on your election as a new mayor of this important city of south, Fier", said Ambassador Graf. "We are closely assisting the Government of Albania toward the Territorial Reform and are interested to know its implementation and impact in the ground. Switzerland currently funds the 4-year Health for All (HAP) project that targets the primary health care level in Fier and Diber. We intent to improve the quality and accessibility of the primary health care level by investing in capacities of health professionals but also in improving the infrastructure of health posts", continued Ambassador Graf.

Mayor Subashi expressed his gratitude to the interest shown by the Ambassador and the Swiss government in supporting Albania and the Fier region. The discussion also focused on the challenges of the new municipality of Fier which now includes several additional communes. As a supporter of the local governance and decentralisation, Switzerland views the successful implementation of the Territorial and Administrative Reform as crucial for Albania.

Swiss interests in the region also include the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) which will build its connection point in the Fier coastline.  

The visit continued at the Fier Hospital where Ambassador Graf learned about the conditions and challenges faced by health authorities in this region.

The latest Swiss support in the health sector will aim to improve primary health care and to equip the health force with new skills and knowledge.