The Ambassador of France to Morocco visits Euromed University of Fes

Euromed University of Fes (UEMF) hosted, Thursday, 24 September 2026, His Excellency Mr. Philippe Lalliot, Ambassador of France to Morocco, accompanied by a large French delegation. Dedicated to academic and scientific cooperation, this meeting made it possible to take stock of existing partnerships and to consider new initiatives in the service of training, research and innovation.

The delegation included Ms. Carine Foeller Viallon, Consul General of France in Fès; Ms. Catherine Bonnaud, director of the French Development Agency (AFD) in Rabat; Mr. François Sporrer, head of the Regional Economic Service at the French Embassy; Mr. Pierre-Antoine Pollot, deputy head of the Regional Economic Service; Mr. Benoit Tanguy, vice consul; Mr. Brahim Bel Mkaddem, head of the Language Center of the French Institute in Fès; and Mr. Rafik Lamkouaf, communications officer of the French Institute.

Welcoming his guests, Prof. Mostapha Bousmina, President of UEMF, recalled the singular place that France occupies in the history and development of the University. He mentioned the richness of ties woven with several French universities and grandes écoles, through joint programs, double-degree pathways, student and faculty mobility as well as research projects. These collaborations reflect a shared desire to bring university communities closer together and to multiply opportunities for collaborative work.

H.E. Mr. Philippe Lalliot in turn, praised the quality of the cooperations already undertaken and highlighted the possibilities to deepen them in higher education, research and innovation. The exchanges notably addressed the development of initiatives in the field of entrepreneurship, as well as the emergence of projects bringing together Moroccan and French partners with institutions from sub-Saharan Africa. This opening to broader cooperation is part of the Euro-Mediterranean and African vocation of UEMF.

The meeting also made it possible to revisit the Agritech program, developed with the support of the AFD. By bringing together academic, institutional and economic actors around innovation in the agricultural sector, this program constitutes a favorable framework for bringing skills closer together and carrying out joint research work. Its development and the possible association of other African partners were among the prospects discussed.

The visit continued with the tour of several University infrastructures. This tour gave the delegation a concrete overview of the spaces and skills on which new Franco-Moroccan synergies could be built. It concluded a meeting marked by dialogue and the shared ambition to advance academic and scientific cooperation.