Thus,Mr. El Midaoui spoke with the Portuguese Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Fernando Alexandre. The discussions focused on ways to promote and deepen cooperative relations between Morocco and Portugal in the fields of higher education and scientific research.
These exchanges, which took place in the presence of the Moroccan ambassador to Portugal, Othmane Bahnini, constituted an possibility to review aspects of bilateral cooperation and to examine several questions relating to the progress of joint research projects, the exchange of expertise and experience in scientific research and innovation, and also the strengthening of the bilateral partnership in this area.
Mr. El Midaoui also met the Mauritanian Minister of Higher education and Scientific Research, Yacoub Ould Amine. These talks focused on the prospects of strengthening relations of fraternal and privileged cooperation uniting the Kingdom of Morocco and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.
During this meeting, the two ministers examined ways to promote cooperation between the two countries in areas related to higher education, scientific research and innovation. These include the promotion of partnerships between moroccan universities and research institutions and their Mauritanian counterparts, in terms of the exchange of experiences and expertise, the mobility of students and teachers, and also the co-supervision of doctoral theses.
The two officials welcomed, on this occasion, the positive results of this cooperation, especially in terms of academic mobility, with hundreds of Mauritanian students continuing their studies in Moroccan public higher education establishments.
This meeting also made it possible to highlight the dynamics experienced by the sector of higher education, scientific research and innovation in Morocco, the favor of the High Royal Guidelines aimed at positioning the Kingdom as a continental pole in this field, and as a model at the level of Africa and the Arab World.
Mr. El Midaoui also met with the Parliamentary Secretary for Education, Youth, Research and Innovation of the Republic of Malta, Keith Azzopardi Tanti, on several issues likely to strengthen academic and scientific between Morocco and Malta, particularly in the field of the exchange of expertise in research and innovation between the university structures of the two countries.
What are the key benefits of international cooperation in higher education and scientific research for Morocco?
Interview: Strengthening International Cooperation in Higher Education and Scientific Research
Interviewer: Welcome, and thank you for joining us today.We’re excited to discuss the recent meetings that Mr. El midaoui had with various ministers regarding higher education and scientific research. Can you share some insights about the meetings with the Portuguese and Mauritanian ministers?
Expert: Thank you for having me. The discussions led by Mr. El Midaoui were quite significant. With the Portuguese minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Fernando Alexandre, the focus was on enhancing cooperative relations between Morocco and Portugal. This alignment is pivotal in promoting joint research and sharing expertise in academia. They explored existing bilateral cooperation, which is vital for advancing joint research projects and solidifying their partnership in scientific innovation.
Interviewer: That sounds promising. How do these cooperative efforts influence Morocco’s position in the broader African and Arab educational landscape?
Expert: The talks reflect Morocco’s strategic positioning as a continental leader in higher education and scientific research. The Moroccan government, under the High Royal Guidelines, aims to elevate the Kingdom’s status as a model for educational excellence in Africa and the Arab World. by fostering relationships with nations like Portugal and Mauritania, Morocco is setting the stage for increased academic mobility and collaborative research, which is foundational for innovation and scientific advancement.
Interviewer: Can you elaborate on the discussions with the Mauritanian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Yacoub Ould Amine? what specific initiatives were discussed?
Expert: Absolutely. The discussions with Minister Yacoub Ould Amine revolved around enhancing the fraternal ties between Morocco and Mauritania. The emphasis was on practical initiatives such as promoting partnerships between Moroccan universities and their mauritanian counterparts. Key elements included enhancing academic mobility for students and faculty and developing co-supervision programs for doctoral theses. This cooperation has already yielded positive results, as hundreds of Mauritanian students are presently studying in Moroccan institutions—demonstrating the success and potential of this collaborative effort.
Interviewer: It seems that academic mobility is a crucial component of these partnerships. What benefits do you see for students and institutions involved in such exchanges?
Expert: The benefits of academic mobility are multi-faceted. For students, it represents an opportunity for cultural exchange and exposure to diverse academic environments, enhancing their personal and professional progress. For institutions, these partnerships facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise, ultimately leading to enriched educational programs and research initiatives. Such collaborations can also boost the overall quality of education, fostering a competitive academic environment that can attract further investment and innovation.
Interviewer: Lastly, Mr. El Midaoui’s meeting with the Parliamentary Secretary for Education from malta highlights the broader European connections. How can Morocco leverage these relationships for continued growth in education and research?
Expert: the engagement with Malta showcases Morocco’s intent to establish a broader european network for education and research. By creating synergies with countries with advanced educational frameworks, Morocco can adopt best practices in scientific research and innovation.This strategic collaboration can lead to joint research initiatives, improved educational quality, and greater access to funding and resources.As Morocco positions itself as a hub for higher education in Africa, such relationships will be instrumental in achieving sustainable growth and excellence in academia.
Interviewer: Thank you for sharing your insights on these vital discussions. It’s clear that Morocco is on an exciting path in higher education and scientific research, with promising implications for its future.
Expert: thank you for having me. The advancements in these collaborative efforts indeed hold great potential for Morocco, and I look forward to seeing how these initiatives develop.