Morocco and Senegal Committed to Strengthening Cooperation in Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation
The Moroccan Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation, Azzedine El Midaoui, met on Monday in Rabat with his Senegalese counterpart, Daouda Ngom, to discuss ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in higher education, scientific research, and innovation. This meeting took place alongside the 15th session of the Morocco-Senegal Joint High Commission for Partnership.
Both parties praised the strength of the friendship and cooperation between their two nations, based on deep human, religious, and economic ties. They expressed a shared desire to invigorate this partnership through the exchange of expertise and best practices, the development of partnerships between universities and research institutions, the facilitation of mobility for students, academic staff, and administrative personnel, as well as the promotion of scientific and cultural exchange programs.
A Dynamic Driven by Student Mobility
In a statement to the press following the meeting, Mr. El Midaoui emphasized that the discussions opened new avenues for cooperation, particularly concerning student exchanges, sharing of expertise, and joint research projects.
He noted that this dynamic is already reflected in the flow of students, with approximately 702 Moroccan students currently pursuing their studies in Senegal, while 1,639 Senegalese students are enrolled in higher education institutions in Morocco.
The Minister also highlighted that these relationships are a testament to the strong 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 Embraces Moroccan Experience
For his part, Senegalese Minister Daouda Ngom highlighted the quality of the historic fraternal relations uniting Rabat and Dakar, noting that they continue to strengthen, particularly in the field of higher education.
He pointed out that Morocco hosts the largest community of Senegalese students in Africa, while also training numerous Senegalese professionals, illustrating the depth and effectiveness of cooperation between the two countries.
Mr. Ngom finally 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.
