On Monday morning the external security group enjoyed a scenic drive along the coast, venturing 50 miles north to visit Morocco’s capital, Rabat.
The team split into pairs, with Craig and John heading over to the Hotel Villa Des Ambassadors to meet with a Reuters journalist for a wide-ranging, two-hour-long discussion on security, politics, and America’s role in the region. The meeting shed light on local perceptions of the security forces, including the police and military, and some of the internal and external challenges confronting the state.
Meanwhile, Megan and Matt H. joined other SAIS students to meet with the Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Rabat, Ms. Rabia El Alama. She provided a nuanced portrayal of Morocco as both an exporter of goods to the U.S. market and a recipient of U.S. foreign direct investment.
One of Morocco’s economic development priorities is to build capacity in advanced manufacturing like aeronautics, and the United States provides valuable soft skill training and development from public and private sector entities. However, while the United States and Morocco have a robust bilateral trade relationship, commerce with China and Sub-Saharan Africa is on the rise. She wishes the United States would increase its cooperation on building educational capacity through partnerships with U.S. universities.
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