Latest news with #Lecourtier
Ya Biladi
18-05-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Morocco inaugurates first Global Alumni House, strengthening French-Moroccan academic ties
The inauguration of the Alumni House in Morocco marks a global first, coinciding with the official launch of the third edition of the World Alumni Days, organized by Campus France Maroc across Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech, Fès, and Tangier. In the context of renewed diplomatic momentum between Rabat and Paris, this initiative symbolizes a timely and multifaceted strengthening of academic and university ties. At the inauguration held on Friday, May 16 in Casablanca, the French ambassador to Morocco, Christophe Lecourtier, told Yabiladi that the primary goal of the initiative is to give visibility to the enduring human bonds between the two countries through a space designed to become a genuine intergenerational hub. «Moroccan alumni of French higher education form the largest foreign academic community linked to France, with over 45,000 students currently enrolled», he said. «If we include all who have attended French universities since independence, we're talking about hundreds of thousands». The Alumni House is now intended to unify the efforts of numerous existing associations, particularly to support those interested in studying in France. For Lecourtier, «It's a kind of matrix for Franco-Moroccan relations in higher education—one with the potential to grow and multiply». Amine Dabchy, president of Sciences Po Alumni Morocco, described the House as «an open, dynamic, future-focused community that brings together multiple generations in a space of rich diversity». He noted that the presence of prominent figures at the event served as both «a tribute to this community and a call to forge more connections to continue inspiring future generations». Dabchy also praised the vital role played by Moroccan alumni associations from top French institutions, across fields such as civil engineering, business, management, law, science, and economics. Promoting Academic Mobility Between Morocco and France In his speech, Lecourtier also emphasized the importance of ensuring that academic mobility flows both ways between France and Morocco. «I think this House should act like an airport, a launchpad for young people and alumni to continue flying to France—whether for work, study, or personal reasons—to maintain that connection», he said. «It should feel natural for people who've followed this path to move between the two countries without excessive barriers», he added. He recalled that last year's second edition of Alumni Day was an opportunity to announce «a simplified visa process for alumni». «Anyone who has studied in France, or on French campuses in Morocco, can now easily obtain a short-stay circulation visa. The bond they have with France, sustained here in this House, should allow them to come and go as easily as members of the same family». Christophe Lecourtier, French ambassador to Morocco Gérald Brun, head of higher education, research, and student mobility at the French Institute of Morocco and attaché for scientific and university cooperation at the French Embassy, told Yabiladi that while Moroccan nationals make up the largest community of international students in France, the goal is to encourage reciprocal mobility. «We also want to make Morocco an attractive destination for French students, who can complete part of their studies here, especially through double degrees, joint programs, or relocated courses offered by French institutions in Morocco», Brun explained. «This is a policy strongly supported by the diplomatic mission». Fostering Human Development Through Research and Training This collaborative academic framework also includes research-oriented university training between the two countries. According to Brun, this area of cooperation has gained momentum. «Joint work on doctoral training is particularly important for Morocco, as many current professors and researchers are approaching retirement. A new generation must be trained», he said. «And this is equally crucial for France, where interest in pursuing doctorates has declined». He noted that the French research system heavily relies on international doctoral candidates—and Morocco currently ranks fourth among countries sending doctoral students to France, following China, Lebanon, and Italy. In his speech, Ambassador Lecourtier also cited King Mohammed VI's focus on human development as a key pillar of Franco-Moroccan cooperation. He highlighted the pivotal role that Moroccan alumni of French institutions play in this vision. «Framework agreements may pave the way for major projects, but what matters most are the people—those who not only have the skills but also the desire to ensure that these projects become reality and don't remain empty promises. Both President Macron and His Majesty the King understand that the strength of the bilateral relationship lies in those individuals», said Lecourtier. For him, «alumni are at the heart of it all because they have a blended experience. They've lived here and there, they return, they leave again—and that's the future. They are the ideal bridge for building a shared tomorrow».
Morocco World
21-04-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
France Named Guest of Honor at Morocco's SIAM 2025
Rabat – Morocco has named France as the guest of honor for the 17th edition of the International Agricultural Exhibition in Morocco (SIAM), running from April 21 to 27 in the city of Meknes. The French Pavilion, located in the International Hall, brings together nearly 50 exhibitors and is the result of a joint effort by Business France, the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, the French Embassy in Morocco, the regions of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Occitanie, and the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Morocco (CFCIM). In recent months, diplomatic relations between Morocco and France have witnessed a notable improvement, especially following France's formal recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara. Since then, bilateral ties have strengthened across multiple sectors, including agriculture, education, and innovation. Morocco has also been honored as a guest of honor at several major events in France. The 2025 edition of SIAM comes less than a year after the signing of an agricultural framework agreement between France and Morocco in 2024. The agreement focuses on key areas such as knowledge exchange in agricultural training, the development of animal and plant production chains, adaptation to climate change, and the deployment of innovative agricultural technologies. 'France, as the leading agricultural producer in the European Union with a market value close to €90 billion in 2024, plays a major role in shaping global agricultural standards,' said Christophe Lecourtier, French Ambassador to Morocco. 'We are proud to showcase our innovations and deepen our collaboration with Morocco, particularly through the French Pavilion at SIAM,' Lecourtier added. France is also the world's leading exporter of seeds and Europe's top producer of agricultural inputs, said Business France in a press release. More than 500 French companies operate in the agricultural equipment sector. France's pavilion at SIAM The French Pavilion covers 400 m² and hosts exhibitors representing the entire agri-food value chain, from animal genetics and sustainable irrigation solutions to organic farming and storage infrastructure, added the statement. 'Being the country of honor at SIAM this year reflects the depth of our agricultural partnership with Morocco,' said Thierry-Alain Truong, Head of the AGROTECH France Pavilion at Business France. The conference space within the French Pavilion will see various discussions covering topics such as agroecology, water resource management, climate resilience, livestock technologies, and France's support for Morocco's agricultural transition. Speakers include representatives from CIRAD, Morocco's Agricultural Development Agency, COMADER, MedZ, and regional officials from France. The CFCIM is organizing B2B meetings between French exhibitors and Moroccan stakeholders, aiming to accelerate commercial ties and launch tangible joint ventures. 'These tailor-made business meetings are designed to spark real partnerships and boost commercial exchanges between our two countries,' noted Claudia Gaudiau-Francisco, President of the CFCIM in a statement. Tags: agricultureMorocco and FranceSIAM
