Morocco and Senegal Committed to Strengthening Cooperation in Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation
Moroccan and Senegalese Ministers Discuss Enhanced Cooperation in Higher Education and Innovation
On Monday in Rabat, Moroccan Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation, Azzedine El Midaoui, met with his Senegalese counterpart, Daouda Ngom, to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the fields of higher education, scientific research, and innovation. This meeting took place during the 15th session of the Morocco-Senegal Joint High Commission.
Both ministers praised the robust friendship and cooperation between their nations, rooted in deep human, religious, and economic ties. They expressed a shared commitment to revitalizing this partnership through the exchange of expertise and best practices, the development of partnerships between universities and research institutions, facilitating the mobility of students, faculty members, and administrative staff, as well as promoting scientific and cultural exchange programs.
A Student Mobility-Focused Agenda
In a statement to the press following the meeting, El Midaoui emphasized that these discussions have opened up new avenues for cooperation, particularly regarding student exchanges, expertise sharing, and collaborative research projects.
He noted that this dynamic is already evident in student flows, with approximately 702 Moroccan students currently pursuing their studies in Senegal, while 1,639 Senegalese students are enrolled in higher education institutions in Morocco.
El Midaoui further highlighted that these relations are a testament to the solid strategic partnership between Morocco and Senegal, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to openness and strengthening cooperation with fellow African nations.
Senegal Celebrates Moroccan Experience
On his part, Senegalese Minister Daouda Ngom emphasized the historical, fraternal relations binding Rabat and Dakar, noting that these ties continue to strengthen, especially in the field of higher education.
Ngom pointed out that Morocco hosts the largest community of Senegalese students in Africa, while training numerous Senegalese professionals, illustrating the depth and effectiveness of cooperation between the two countries.
Finally, Ngom expressed his country’s desire to further benefit from Moroccan expertise, particularly in the fields of scientific research, vocational training, engineering schools, and preparatory classes.
