Canadian universities deepen ties with Morocco
University leaders conclude successful virtual mission
OTTAWA – It’s been 60 years since Canada and Morocco first established diplomatic relations, and to mark the occasion Universities Canada and its members held a one-day digital mission with members of Morocco’s higher education institutions.
Universities Canada and its members recognize the need to re-engage with key international partners as the world emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic through increased cooperation in education and research.
Wednesday, Universities Canada welcomed leaders from 25 Canadian universities and 36 Moroccan universities, as well as H.E Nell Stewart, ambassador of Canada to Morocco, H.E Souriya Otmani, ambassador of Morocco to Canada, as well as Arif Virani, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion, and International Trade.
The digital mission provided an opportunity to build and deepen relationships with key stakeholders in Morocco, a country that is a focus of both Universities Canada and the federal government’s International Education Strategy.
The mission combined informative and interactive sessions to facilitate knowledge-sharing and establish a collaborative environment for long-term partnerships.
Highlights included a discussion with Mr. Virani, panel discussions exploring research and engagement opportunities, as well as business-to-business meetings.
This mission is part of a series of initiatives between the two countries that aim to strengthen our partnership. A current initiative is The Global Skills Opportunity program, the federal government’s outbound student mobility program for Canadian college and undergraduate-level university students from across the country to acquire global skills, that will allow us to build on our relationship with Morocco as three participating Canadian universities will be launching four projects with Morocco as a destination.
Quotes:
“Canada and Morocco have a long-standing relationship and Universities Canada and its members understand the importance of fostering and deepening those relationships with international partners. This mission was an opportunity to develop and strengthen connections with our Moroccan counterparts, while setting the stage for long-term collaboration.” — Paul Davidson, president of Universities Canada
“Morocco and Canada have a strong partnership and this trade mission was an important opportunity to identify new areas for collaboration. Our government recognizes the importance of education as a driving force for international trade diversification and the future prosperity of our countries as outlined in the Government of Canada’s International Education Strategy.” — Arif Virani, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion, and International Trade
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About Universities Canada
Universities Canada is the voice of Canada’s universities at home and abroad, advancing higher education, research and innovation for the benefit of all Canadians.
Media contact:
Lisa Wallace
Assistant Director, Communications
Universities Canada
[email protected]
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