Speaking at a joint press briefing after their talks, MFA Bourita praised the great efforts made by Ms. Mogherini to strengthen cooperation relations between Morocco and the EU, considering that she has contributed greatly to the dynamics that have marked bilateral cooperation in recent years.

"The personal commitment of Ms. Mogherini aims to make this relationship an example to follow in terms of neighborhood ties with the European Union (EU)," he said, stressing that the training in the academic institution consolidates the human dimensions of this relationship.

The presence of Ms. Mogherini at the head of the College of Europe provides an opportunity to continue strengthening these distinguished relations, this institution touching on key areas of interest to youth and education, two main components to encourage the rapprochement between the priorities of the EU and the New Development Model of Morocco, said the minister.

In addition, MFA Bourita also referred to the strong interest of Moroccan students for the College of Europe, considering that it is a process of forging links and strengthening relations between European institutions and countries close politically and geographically to the EU, like Morocco.

The Minister also said that this meeting provided an opportunity to strengthen ties between the College of Europe, on one hand, and the Moroccan Academy of Diplomatic Studies (AMED) and Moroccan diplomacy in general, on the other hand.

Ms. Federica Mogherini indicated, for her part, that the exchange of knowledge between Moroccan youth and their European counterparts is an important pillar of institutional rapprochement between Morocco and the EU. She also stressed that the continuation of bilateral cooperation in the field of diplomatic studies is able to strengthen human relations between students and "form the basis of a solid institutional cooperation in the future".

"Continuing the cooperation and partnership with Morocco through the institution I currently chair is just a different way to achieve the same goal, namely the strengthening of intellectual exchange between Moroccans and Europeans," the Rector added.

Ms. Mogherini also said that her meeting with Bourita was an opportunity to discuss future prospects for cooperation between Morocco and the College of Europe, including sharing best practices, exchange of students with the Moroccan Academy of Diplomatic Studies (AMED) and the development of concrete projects related to the exchange of knowledge between young people.

Highlighting the quality of distinguished relations between Morocco and the EU, she said that her meeting with MFA Bourita aims to boost the momentum for the implementation of two partnership agreements signed between Morocco and the College of Europe in 2020, on access of Moroccan students to this institution.

In this regard, Ms. Mogherini noted the increased interest of Moroccan students in the College of Europe, eager to learn more about the mechanisms of the EU.

It is worth mentioning that Mogherini's working visit to Morocco is her first travel outside the EU as Rector of the College of Europe.