Hungarian
The 3rd Hungarian–Moroccan Rectors’ Forum took place on 8 May 2025 at Edutus University as part of a professional programme series focusing on research and innovation
A 17-member rectors’ delegation led by Mr. Mohamed Khalfaoui, Secretary General of the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation of Morocco, and Mr. Yassine Zarhloule, President of the Moroccan Conference of University Presidents, visited Budapest on 7–8 May 2025. The visit included the 3rd Hungarian–Moroccan Rectors’ Forum.
The Forum brought together nearly fifty Hungarian and Moroccan university leaders, joined by around twenty Moroccan students who are currently studying or previously studied in Hungary. On behalf of the Hungarian higher education authorities, the event was officially opened by Veronika Varga-Bajusz, State Secretary for Higher Education, Vocational and Adult Education and Youth. Welcome remarks were also delivered by Mr. Mohamed Khalfaoui, Head of Delegation; László Borhy, President of the Hungarian Rectors’ Conference and Rector of Eötvös Loránd University; and Dr. László Vigh, Vice-Rector for Scientific and International Affairs of the host institution, Edutus University.
The first professional session featured keynote speeches by Mr. Ferenc Nagy-Rébék, Head of Department for Science Policy and International Affairs at the Ministry of Culture and Innovation, and Mr. Yassine Zarhloule, Rector of Mohammed First University in Oujda, who provided insights into the research, development and innovation systems of Hungary and Morocco, respectively.
In the second part of the Forum, discussions actively involving Moroccan students were preceded by presentations on the higher education systems of the two countries and their respective internationalisation strategies and programmes. As part of the programme, several bilateral cooperation agreements were signed in a ceremonial setting.
In connection with the Forum, a bilateral meeting took place between State Secretary Dr. Veronika Varga-Bajusz and Secretary General Mr. Mohamed Khalfaoui, also attended by Her Excellency Karima Kabbaj, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco.
Beyond the Forum, the two-day professional visit included participation in the Times Higher Education Europe Universities Summit jointly organized by Semmelweis University and Obuda University, a visit to the Hungarian Parliament where the delegation met with Ms. Katalin Csöbör, President of the Hungarian–Moroccan Friendship Group of the National Assembly, and professional discussions with the leadership of HUN-REN, the Hungarian Research Network. The latter took place during the AI Symposium 2025 hosted at the Várkert Bazár and included meetings with Mr. Roland Jakab (CEO), Prof. József Bokor (Scientific Director), Prof. László Monostori (Director of SZTAKI), and Dr. András Benczúr (Head of MILAB).
The 3rd Hungarian–Moroccan Rectors’ Forum and the related events marked another significant step forward in strengthening academic and scientific cooperation between Hungary and Morocco.
