Prime Minister Edi Rama was present in Italy this Monday, with the rectors of universities in Rome and the region of Lazio, where agreements were signed to increase cooperation between the two countries in the field of university studies, increase exchanges between academic staff, merge dual degree programs. 

In this meeting were signed the agreements for double degrees between the University of Tuscia in Italy and the Albanian universities: University of Tirana, Polytechnic University of Tirana, Agricultural University, Mediterranean University. Agreements are in the field of Environmental Biology in Bachelor with the University of Tirana; Forest and Environment for UBT; Mechanical Engineering with UPT at master level and Marketing with UMSH. 

The agreements stipulate that students in these programs spend one year studying in Albania and one year in Italy. Eventually students will receive dual degrees.

Rama underlined that the phenomenon of young people leaving to study at universities abroad is not only a problem for Albania but also for Italy. 

"The problems we have today are problems that, as far as I can understand, were present in the Italian university system several years ago. The problems that are now present for the university in Italy are also common problems. 

Starting from a problem that is strongly felt on this side and on the other hand as the departure of young people towards the North of Europe. What we have in common is a very important challenge, we will need to understand and orient this problem rationally responsibly without falling into the trap of past policies which have not changed anything. 

We need to see and use the spaces to internationalize our universities more, to give Albanian and Italian youth the opportunity to study in Albania and to have available programs and qualities similar to what they have in Italy" , said Rama. 

The same is the problem of lack of doctors and nurses in the health system, said Rama, for both countries. While emphasizing a new way of employment, such as the one through the Internet, for young people, without the need for them to leave the country. 

"Cooperation in the field of medicine. We can certainly increase together the number of doctors and nurses who should be serving the communities and in those areas of the country in Italy and our country, regardless of the power that these areas have to attract doctors and nurses, compared to very attractive areas in Northern Italy and other areas. 

Hiring young people, without having to leave the country where they live, through the internet, is a whole world business that creates millions of jobs, at the disposal of those who have knowledge of high technology. We can not wait for the time to pass to orient it properly and this great potential ", said Rama.