Rabat and Dakar have expressed a shared determination to deepen their partnerships in higher education, scientific research and innovation, amid strong bilateral relations described as strategic.
Ways to strengthen cooperation in higher education, scientific research and innovation were at the heart of talks held Monday in Rabat between Morocco’s Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, Azzedine El Midaoui, and his Senegalese counterpart, Daouda Ngom.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 15th Morocco–Senegal Joint High Commission, according to official sources.
On this occasion, both sides reaffirmed the depth and strength of the longstanding ties of friendship and cooperation between Morocco and Senegal, built on enduring human, religious and economic foundations. The discussions highlighted the importance both governments attach to higher education and research as key drivers of development, competitiveness and African integration.
The talks also underscored a shared commitment to consolidating this partnership around several priority areas, including the exchange of experience and best practices, strengthened cooperation between universities and research institutions, facilitation of mobility for students, academic staff and administrative personnel, as well as the promotion of scientific and cultural exchange programmes between the two countries.
Speaking to the press, Mr. El Midaoui said the meeting had helped reinforce existing cooperation mechanisms, particularly in student exchanges and joint research. He noted that around 702 Moroccan students are currently studying in Senegal, while 1,639 Senegalese students are enrolled in higher education institutions in Morocco—figures he said illustrate the vitality and balance of academic flows between the two countries.
The Moroccan minister stressed that these figures reflect the strength of the strategic partnership between Rabat and Dakar, conducted under the leadership of King Mohammed VI and Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. He added that this momentum is part of Morocco’s continued commitment to strengthening South–South cooperation and expanding academic openness towards fellow African countries.
For his part, Mr. Ngom welcomed the historic fraternal relations between the two nations, recalling that Morocco hosts the largest community of Senegalese students in Africa and has trained many Senegalese executives.
Senegal, he said, seeks to benefit from Morocco’s experience in scientific research, vocational training, engineering schools and preparatory classes.
The holding of the 15th Joint High Commission is also seen as an opportunity to broaden sectoral cooperation to include major structuring projects, notably in agriculture, energy, trade and the digital economy, further consolidating a bilateral partnership of strong strategic value.
MK/ak/lb/as/APA