Morocco, US celebrate education, cultural exchange at Fulbright ceremony

A ceremony held Thursday, February 22nd, at the Moroccan embassy in Washington DC celebrated cooperation in education and cultural exchange between Morocco and the United States. The event recognized the academic achievements of Moroccan and American Fulbright Morocco 2024 program recipients, according to a press release from the Moroccan diplomatic mission.

State Department officials, the Moroccan-American Commission for Educational and Cultural Exchanges (MACECE), and approximately 60 fellows attended the ceremony. Moroccan Ambassador to the US Youssef Amrani emphasized the significance of academic and cultural exchanges between the two nations.

«These exchanges embody the Kingdom's values of peace, openness, and tolerance», Ambassador Amrani stated, highlighting Morocco's «exceptional moment in its enlightened approach to modernity and respect for diversity», He further noted that the program aligns with King Mohammed VI's «ambitious and bold vision», as outlined in the New Development Model, «which prioritizes education, development, and capacity building for young Moroccans driving the country's promising future».

Amrani underscored the importance of academic and cultural exchanges «as bridges of mutual understanding, promoting peace, prosperity, and empowering future leaders to tackle contemporary challenges». He emphasized the long history of diplomatic relations and cultural exchanges between Morocco and the US, highlighting their role in deepening understanding between the two nations.

Fulbright Morocco Program Executive Director Rebecca Geffner acknowledged the program's winners as «key contributors to fostering mutual understanding between Morocco and the United States». She added that since its inception in 1982, MACECE has fostered a community of over 4,000 Moroccan and American alumni.