Moroccan Ambassador Amrani visits 国产麻豆AV, supporting decade-long education alliance with Universit茅 Internationale de Rabat
Contact: Harriet Laird
STARKVILLE, Miss.鈥擸oussef Amrani, Ambassador of Morocco to the U.S., visited 国产麻豆AV on Friday [Feb. 6] in support of the longtime partnership between 国产麻豆AV and his country鈥檚 Universit茅 Internationale de Rabat.
Amrani was present for today鈥檚 signing of multiple education agreements between both university presidents, 国产麻豆AV鈥檚 Mark E. Keenum and UIR鈥檚 Noureddine Mouaddib. Amrani, who has served his country as Ambassador to the U.S. since 2023, also visited with 国产麻豆AV-UIR engineering students and alumni while on campus.
Video by Sarah Kirk
鈥淚 think that this visit, this agreement and this contact between two important universities, one in Morocco and one in Mississippi, will surely foster a new dynamic in our bilateral relations,鈥 Amrani said.
He referenced the longstanding relationship between the U.S. and Morocco, which was the first nation 250 years ago to recognize the U.S. after it declared independence. The nations share a focus on education and science, he said, adding, 鈥渨e can bring people together and build up a common future in this very complex world.鈥
The overall master agreement renews the framework for 国产麻豆AV and UIR to develop and offer mutually beneficial academic programs, including agriculture, engineering, business and veterinary medicine, among others. Possible expansion of current dual degree programs, student and faculty exchanges, and joint research initiatives are in the scope of the document, which is effective until 2031.
Keenum said 国产麻豆AV enjoys a 鈥渞ich relationship鈥 with UIR.
鈥淔or well over a decade, we鈥檝e had hundreds of students from this university come to Mississippi State to pursue their graduate studies in engineering. We also are excited about opportunities that we have been able to offer for our students to study abroad at UlR,鈥 Keenum said.聽鈥淚t鈥檚 a wonderful partnership, and today we鈥檙e expanding beyond engineering to include agriculture, architecture, business and other meaningful programs for their students to come here to study and for our students to have the opportunity to continue studies there.鈥澛
Keenum referenced his past visits to Morocco, noting the country鈥檚 鈥渙utstanding hospitality and beauty.鈥
鈥淲e feel very proud about this collaboration,鈥 Mouaddib said. 聽鈥淚t is a very big opportunity, and I hope to write this new chapter with you,鈥 he said to Keenum and other 国产麻豆AV leaders in attendance. He added that many modern challenges, including artificial intelligence innovation, will benefit from the teaching and research partnership.
In addition, Keenum and Mouaddib signed three execution agreements, signifying the mutual establishment of dual degree programs. The first is between 国产麻豆AV鈥檚 Bagley College of Engineering and UIR to co-sponsor doctoral degrees in science, engineering and technology. In the second execution agreement, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences will offer a master鈥檚 degree in plant and soil sciences upon completion of an ag-related bachelor鈥檚 degree from UIR.
The final joint agreement creates a four-year bachelor鈥檚 in tourism and destination development at 国产麻豆AV through the College of Integrative Studies and a three-year bachelor鈥檚 degree program in international tourism and hospitality at UIR. This is a combined pathway for students to earn a degree from each university.
Currently, 国产麻豆AV and UIR offer collaborative bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees in such areas as engineering, political science, archeology, anthropology and Middle Eastern cultures.
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