Federal Councillor Alain Berset signs social security agreement with Albania in Tirana
Bern, 18.02.2022 - Federal Councillor Alain Berset and Delina Ibrahimaj, the Albanian Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs met in Tirana today to sign a social security agreement between the two countries. The ministers took the opportunity to discuss the social protection during the Covid pandemic, as well as the challenges facing their national pension systems. Federal Councillor Berset also met with the Albanian health minister Ogerta Manastirliu. Discussions centred on efforts to tackle the pandemic and vaccination roll-out.
The bilateral agreement governs social security relations between Switzerland and Albania. It covers old-age, survivors' and invalidity insurance
and complies with international standards on the coordination of social security systems. The agreement ensures that Swiss and Albanian nationals receive equal treatment in respect of their social security entitlements, facilitates their access to these benefits, and allows pensions to be paid abroad. It also lays the foundations for bilateral cooperation to tackle social security fraud and abuses. Finally, the agreement facilitates the mobility of Swiss and Albanian nationals and protects them against double social security contributions. It will enter into force as soon as the parliaments of both countries approve it.
Meeting with the Albanian Finance Minister
Federal Councillor Berset and the Albanian Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Delina Ibrahimaj discussed the special support measures that their governments have taken to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic, and the lessons learned from the crisis. They also spoke about the challenges facing their national pension systems and efforts to reform them.
Meeting with with Deputy Prime Minister and with the Health Minister
During his visit to Tirana, Federal Councillor Berset also met with Albania's Health Minister Ogerta Manastirliu. Discussions centred around their experiences of handling the crisis. Another topic was Switzerland's support for the Albanian health system. Switzerland is Albania's most important bilateral partner in the health sector.
During his courtesy visit with Deputy Prime Minister Arben Ahmetaj, Federal Councillor Berset was maintaining the excellent relations which exist between the two countries.
Address for enquiries
Christian Favre, Deputy Head of Communications, FDHA
+41 58 485 62 61
+41 79 897 61 91
Social security agreement enquiries:
Stephanie Koch, International Affairs
Federal Social Insurance Office
+41 58 462 58 90
stephanie.koch@bsv.admin.ch
Documents
Publisher
General Secretariat FDHA
http://www.edi.admin.ch
Federal Social Insurance Office
http://www.bsv.admin.ch
Federal Office of Public Health
http://www.bag.admin.ch
