University News Last updated 10 November 2017
Birmingham City University has met with senior envoys from the Kingdom of Morocco, with the hope of exploring potential partnerships in the future.
The institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Philip Plowden and Director of the International Office, Parmila Murria, was introduced to His Excellency Abdessalam Aboudrar Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco and His Excellency Abderrahim Beyyoudh, the Consul General of the Kingdom of Morocco, at an event aimed at helping the Moroccan community in the UK.
Moroccan Consular Services
Held in the Grade II* listed Birmingham City Council House, the Moroccan Consular Services tours the country every year to enable nationals to get easier access to its services, which cover everything from passports to identity cards, and finance to nationalisation papers.
One of its benefits is that is means some of the 70,000 Moroccans living in the UK do not have the expense of being forced to travel to London to sort out straightforward matters.
Cultural exchange
The event also provided an opportunity for conversations to take place that provided foundations for stronger links between the University and Morocco, as well as developing cultural exchanges.
Professor Philip Plowden, Vice-Chancellor, Birmingham City University, said:
"I was delighted to attend the event on behalf of Birmingham City University and equally pleased that it was so successful and so valued by the Moroccan community."
The Moroccan Consular Services event was organised by award-winning Birmingham teacher and Moroccan Representative for Birmingham and the West Midlands, Abdellatif Erraoui. It is just one of many projects the Moroccan Embassy hopes to get off the ground to forge stronger links with the UK.
Forging new links
Abdellatif Erraoui Erraoui, Representative for Birmingham and the West Midlands, said:
“The Ambassador and Consular General are keen on developing such exciting initiatives. I have worked with many educational establishments over the years and this is just one way to share many good things between the two countries. Birmingham City University is one of the leading educational establishments in the country, so they are always keen to forge new paths.
“I am hoping to develop some ideas with the University and see where they can take us. I am also hoping Birmingham City Council will be interested in forging greater ties with cities in Morocco. With Brexit just two years away, there could be, not only cultural opportunities but economic ones which could benefit all involved.
“I hope this is the start of many new things.”
Council House
More than 64 families attended the event which ran from 11am to 4pm at the Council House on Saturday 28 October, and people travelled from as far afield as Sheffield.
Lord Mayor Councillor Anne Underwood welcomed guests to the Council House and praised all those who were forging new links and renewing old ones.
The event was supported by staff from Moroccan banks in the UK – Attijariwafa Bank, BMCE Bank International and Chaabi Bank.