Signing of Cooperation Agreement Between Russian and Bosnian Pharmaceutical Agencies

On December 11, 2020, the Federal State Institution "State Institute of Drugs and Good Practices" (FSI "SID&GP") of the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices of Bosnia and Herzegovina signed a Cooperation Agreement.

The year 2020 proved challenging for global pharmaceutical markets, making this bilateral agreement particularly significant as it demonstrates both countries' commitment to cooperation and establishing effective partnerships despite difficult circumstances.

The signing ceremony was attended by Vladislav Shestakov, Director of FSI "SID&GP", and Aleksandar Zolak, Director of the Bosnian Agency. Conducted online - now a standard format for international engagement - the original documents will be exchanged via courier services.

"I am confident this Agreement will create a solid foundation for our future collaboration," stated Vladislav Shestakov in his address to international colleagues. "The challenges of 2020 have clearly shown that combating COVID-19 requires combined efforts and enhanced bilateral and multilateral cooperation. I'm pleased that despite all difficulties, we're concluding this year ready and open for partnership. Though we cannot meet in person to shake hands as a symbol of mutual cooperation, we're finding ways to continue building bilateral relations."

The long-term cooperation agreement includes:
- Joint educational and informational initiatives
- Information exchange to ensure drug quality
- Mutual observation of GMP inspections

The Bosnian Agency representatives are already familiar with FSI "SID&GP". Russian GMP inspectors conducted inspections at Bosnian pharmaceutical facilities in 2016 and 2019. Bosnian inspectors participated as guests in the 4th All-Russian GMP Conference in 2019, with Agency Head Indira Fazlagić serving as an expert during this year's inspection masterclass.

According to the FSI "SID&GP" Press Service