Strengthening cooperation and educational exchanges between XJTU and Morocco

From Jan 9 to 13, Professor Shan Zhiwei, vice president of Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU), led a delegation to Morocco to forge new collaborative opportunities. The delegation’s packed itinerary included engaging visits to esteemed institutions such as Mohammed V University, the International University of Rabat, IBN GHAZI Preparatory School, and Chinese enterprises operating in Morocco.

During their first day, on Jan 9, the delegation had a significant meeting with Mr. Li Changlin, China’s Ambassador to Morocco. Vice President Shan Zhiwei presented the rich history of XJTU and its strategic vision of becoming a world-class university with distinct Chinese characteristics. He emphasized XJTU’s commitment to cultivating international talents through English-medium undergraduate programs in key disciplines. Ambassador Li warmly welcomed the delegation, praising their efforts to encourage Moroccan students to pursue studies in China.

On the morning of Jan 10, the delegation visited Mohammed V University, where they were received by Vice President Professor Ismail Kassou and Professor Khalid Baalou, head of International Cooperation Department. Both expressed interest in expanding cooperation in student exchanges and academic collaboration. Vice President Shan Zhiwei highlighted XJTU’s academic strengths and urged both universities to enhance communication and encourage more Moroccan students to study in China.

Later that day, the delegation visited l'École Nationale Supérieure d'Informatique et d'Analyse des Systèmes (the National Institute of Advanced Computer Science and Systems Analysis) at Mohammed V University, where Dean Professor Ilham Berrada  held a discussion with students. The delegation introduced China and XJTU to students, encouraging them to explore study opportunities in China. The students expressed strong interest in pursuing exchange programs and postgraduate education at XJTU.

In the afternoon, the delegation visited the International University of Rabat, where they were welcomed by Vice-President Professor Abdelaziz Benjouad and the faculty deans. Both universities expressed a strong desire to promote high-quality education by creating a diversified exchange platform for Chinese and Moroccan students, featuring international cooperation between research, academia, and industry, as well as joint student education initiatives.

On Jan 11, the delegation visited IBN GHAZI Preparatory School, where Headmaster Mr. Elmechtali Ahmed introduced the Moroccan preparatory education system. The two sides discussed how Moroccan preparatory education could align with Chinese engineering undergraduate programs, with the aim of fostering mutual understanding and exploring pathways for student development.

Later that day, the delegation held a signing ceremony for memorandums of understanding with five local high schools, formalizing the partnerships and exchanging commemorative plaques. This marked the official launch of international cooperation in student development between XJTU and Moroccan high schools.

On Jan 12, the delegation held discussions with representatives from Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. Morocco and Tebian Electric Apparatus Stock Co. Ltd. (TBEA) Morocco. Sun Jiawei, head of Huawei Morocco, and Jia Xiaohui and Liang Wei, heads of TBEA Morocco Office, warmly welcomed the delegation. Vice President Shan Zhiwei inquired about the companies’ business and personnel needs, emphasizing the importance of university-enterprise collaboration. Both companies expressed their support for XJTU’s international student recruitment efforts in Morocco. All parties discussed employment opportunities and the demand for international talent training tailored to industry needs.

Representatives from XJTU’s Graduate School, School of Mechanical Engineering, School of Energy and Power Engineering, School of Electrical Engineering, and School of International Education accompanied Vice President Shan throughout the visit.