In a landmark move to deepen bilateral collaboration in healthcare and science, the French National Academy of Medicine and the Academy of the Kingdom of Morocco have formalized a strategic partnership through a newly signed framework agreement. The pact, inked on Wednesday evening in Paris, marks a significant step in institutionalizing decades of informal cooperation between the two countries.
The agreement was signed by Jean-Noël Fiessinger, President of the French National Academy of Medicine, and Abdeljalil Lahjomri, Permanent Secretary of the Moroccan Academy. The signing took place ahead of the inaugural Franco-Moroccan Health Day—an event that brought together medical experts, academics, and diplomats to spotlight shared priorities in public health.
The partnership outlines plans for joint academic exchanges, collaborative research, and co-developed medical training programs. Key focus areas include neuroscience, public health, and hospital cooperation, with the aim of creating strong talent pipelines and fostering innovation across both nations’ healthcare systems.
“This agreement is more than symbolic—it’s a practical roadmap for deepening engagement between our scientific communities,” said Lahjomri. He emphasized that doctoral training and co-hosted academic events would be central to the partnership.
Fiessinger noted that the accord builds on a long tradition of collaboration: “Our two nations have long benefited from intellectual and clinical exchange. This framework allows us to jointly tackle new and emerging health challenges through coordinated research and shared educational efforts.”
The timing of the agreement reflects growing urgency to address complex global health challenges, including the rise of chronic diseases, the integration of artificial intelligence in healthcare, and the need for resilient public health systems in the post-pandemic era.
Morocco’s Ambassador to France, Samira Sitail, lauded the partnership as a model of science diplomacy. “Medicine is not only about healing, but also about building bridges between nations,” she said. “This collaboration reflects our shared values and our commitment to advancing science for the good of humanity.”
In the coming year, the two academies plan to roll out several initiatives under the agreement, including student exchange programs, joint research funding opportunities, and public health policy forums, signaling a new era of Franco-Moroccan cooperation in health and science.
Article by Nyokabi Wanjiku
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