USA–Morocco: Mississippi State University and UIR Expand Academic and Strategic Cooperation
Mississippi State University (MSU) and the International University of Rabat (UIR) strengthened their academic ties on Friday in Starkville, Mississippi, signing a series of cooperation agreements aimed at expanding collaboration into new strategic areas.
The agreements, signed by UIR President Noureddine Mouaddib and MSU President Mark Keenum, in the presence of Moroccan Ambassador to the United States Youssef Amrani, extend cooperation across agriculture, hospitality and tourism, architecture, applied research, and joint supervision of doctoral theses. They also enhance student mobility, dual-degree programs, and collaborative research initiatives.
During his visit to MSU, Ambassador Amrani held an interactive session with around fifty Moroccan students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees under the academic partnership established between MSU and UIR in 2015.
Addressing the students, the ambassador emphasized that the meeting reflects a broader national strategy: “Morocco invests decisively in its human capital, convinced that knowledge, mobility, and academic excellence are sustainable levers of sovereignty, competitiveness, and influence.”
Highlighting the partnership’s achievements, he noted that over 300 Moroccan engineers have already earned dual degrees in strategic fields such as aerospace, automotive, and computer science. “You are the reflection of a Morocco that does not merely undergo globalization but understands it, prepares for it, and claims its rightful place within it,” Ambassador Amrani stated.
He further stressed the historical depth and modern vitality of the Morocco–U.S. partnership, describing it as “ancient in history, modern in its instruments, and future-oriented through its youth,” especially as the two countries approach the 250th anniversary of uninterrupted bilateral relations.
On the role of Moroccan youth abroad, the ambassador underlined the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, noting that Morocco actively supports its talents, values their achievements, and considers them natural contributors to the country’s development. He encouraged students and graduates to maintain strong, dynamic links with Morocco and to actively participate in initiatives that project an ambitious, credible, and forward-looking image of the Kingdom.
UIR President Noureddine Mouaddib expressed pride in the accomplishments of Moroccan graduates trained through the UIR–MSU dual-degree program, highlighting their ability to thrive in leading scientific and technological environments in the United States. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting these graduates in their professional integration and future contributions to Morocco’s development.
Students and graduates present, both in person and via videoconference, praised the strategic depth and solid framework of this academic partnership, expressing their gratitude for the guidance, support, and trust provided by both institutions throughout their academic journey.
Editorial team/le7tv
