Meeting at AMLUIS
A delegation from the Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering visited the Kingdom of Morocco at the invitation of the Moroccan Association of graduates of universities and institutes of the former Soviet Union (AMLUIS).
The delegation included First Vice-Rector Svetlana Golovina, Vice-Rector for Educational Activity Sergey Mikhailov, Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering Andrey Nikulin, Director of the Center for Monitoring the Quality of Education Natalya Golovina, Head of the International Relations Division Shuainat Akhmadulaeva and fourth-year student of the Faculty of Architecture Nizar Magaman.
AMLUIS President Mohamed Fakiri warmly welcomed the SPbGASU representatives and emphasized the importance of the visit for strengthening Russian-Moroccan academic ties. He expressed confidence in the continued development of long-term and mutually beneficial cooperation between SPbGASU and Moroccan technical universities, noting the high potential for joint educational, scientific, and applied projects.
A special role in the development of cooperation was played by graduates of SPbGASU – the AMLUIS First Vice-President, Dr. Tarek Magaman, a member of the administrative council of the Association, Dr. Mohammed Amin Magaman and the head of the engineers and architects sector of AMLUIS, Dr. Abdul Ali Kabado. They were the ones who initiated the cooperation and also organized and coordinated the program of the delegation’s visit.
During the trip, the SPbGASU representatives visited leading educational institutions of Morocco: the National Schools of Architecture in Rabat and in Tetouan, Mohammed V University, the Moroccan School of Engineering EMG, and the Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakesh.
During the meetings, the parties discussed promising areas of cooperation, including the creation of joint educational programs, summer schools and intensive courses for students and young researchers, the development of scientific cooperation, and the implementation of joint research projects.
Particular attention was given to the possibility of preparing joint theses. It is expected that students will be able to conduct research under the supervision of two academic advisors—one from SPbGASU and the other from a partner university in Morocco—which will allow them to combine the academic expertise of both sides and expand the range of research topics.
The Moroccan side also praised the experience of the Leningrad School of Restoration and Conservation. It was noted that Morocco places particular emphasis on preserving historical heritage and reconstructing architectural sites as an important element of cultural and tourism development.
As part of the visit, a meeting was held at the Russian House in Rabat with its director, Vladimir Petrovich Sokolov. During the conversation, issues of support for Moroccan applicants to Russian universities under the Russian Federation quota were discussed, as well as prospects for restoration and conservation work on the Russian House building with the involvement of relevant specialists from SPbGASU.
A meeting was also held in Marrakech with the director of a private comprehensive school, Ghassan Ouajnati. The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in education and the possibility of attracting school graduates to study at SPbGASU. Following the meeting, a preliminary cooperation plan was outlined, including information support, organizing meetings with students and teachers, and the participation of university representatives in the school's events.
Following the meeting, representatives of SPbGASU and AMLUIS signed a cooperation agreement providing for the development of educational, scientific, and cultural ties between the parties.
According to the agreements reached, AMLUIS will promote SPbGASU in the Moroccan educational market, ensure the university's participation in educational exhibitions and scientific events, provide support in developing a student recruitment strategy, and facilitate the conclusion of partnership agreements with Moroccan universities and organizations.
In turn, SPbGASU plans to organize professional training and internships for AMLUIS representatives, send university teachers to conduct training and scientific events in Morocco, and facilitate conferences dedicated to Moroccan culture at the university.
The signed agreement opens new opportunities for developing academic mobility, implementing joint projects, and strengthening international cooperation between SPbGASU and educational and professional organizations in Morocco.
