REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA

Statement of H.E. Mrs. Megi FINO

Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affaires

Thank you Madam President,

Distinguished delegates,

Esteemed representatives of the Secretariat,

It is a privilege to address the Eleventh Session of the Conference of the Parties to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on behalf of the Republic of Albania and our sincere congratulations to the Secretariat for hosting us.

As we commemorate two decades of progress under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, we reaffirm that this Convention stands as a landmark achievement in international law and a cornerstone of global public health.

Since ratifying the Convention in 2006, Albania has remained committed to implementing its provisions. Over the years, we have introduced a range of demand and supply reduction measures, which have contributed to a measurable decline in smoking prevalence, with Albania currently reporting one of the lower incidence rates in the region, at approximately 22%.

Albania remains fully committed to the objectives of the Convention and we strongly support the work of the Convention in developing guidelines that strengthen public health policies and reduce exposure to tobacco smoke. Simultaneously, we acknowledge the importance of respecting the principle of state sovereignty when adopting decisions and recommendations with legal implications. Ensuring transparency and equal participation in decision-making are essential. For this reason we support the establishment of Working Groups composed of member state representatives to advance guidelines and policy recommendations in this area. Public

The Republic of Albania calls for prudence when considering measures that may lead to significant economic implications. Any new proposal should be grounded in credible scientific evidence demonstrating its effectiveness in harm reduction and public health improvement. Measures that conflict with constitutional principles, national legal frameworks, or international trade obligations must be approached with caution.

Distinguished Delegates, Albania is committed to fostering innovation and research aimed at reducing harm and improving public health outcomes. We will actively contribute to strengthening monitoring, evaluation, and reporting systems, sharing data to inform evidence-based policymaking, and cooperating regionally and globally to combat illicit trade and reinforce supply-chain control.

We have also progressed in refining our legislative and regulatory frameworks to better safeguard citizens from tobacco-smoke exposure, broaden public awareness initiatives, and reinforce mechanisms that track tobacco-use patterns and prevalence.

Finally, looking ahead, the Government of Albania is prepared to engage constructively at COP11 and in the years that follow, working together to secure a healthier environment and a safer future for the generations to come.

Thank you.