The Diplomat
The President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, announced this Wednesday the launch of the first joint call for research, development, and innovation (R&D&I) between the archipelago and Morocco.
Fernando Clavijo made this announcement during the signing of a collaboration agreement between the rectors of the two public universities in the Canary Islands, Francisco García and Luis Serra Majem, and the president of the Mohamed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), Hicham El Habti.
The call to finance projects between the Canary Islands and Morocco, co-financed by the regional government and UM6P, will be launched later this year. This line of aid will provide financial support to scientific and technological innovation initiatives developed jointly by researchers, entrepreneurs, and companies from both territories and will be managed by the Ministry of Universities.
In President Clavijo’s opinion, this joint effort will contribute to strengthening ties with the neighboring country and elevating the Canary Islands-Morocco relationship “to the level it deserves.” “Africa is a priority for the Canary Islands, and, without a doubt, our good neighborly relationship with Morocco is a fundamental element in creating a space for shared prosperity in this region and, in particular, in the Atlantic space that surrounds us.”
The head of the regional government also emphasized that this initiative represents “the first initiative of its kind launched between a Spanish regional government and an African country,” beyond those promoted by the State through the Center for Technological Development and Innovation or the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation.
Clavijo defended the need to “move toward the creation of a hub of cooperation of excellence in priority sectors of common interest,” such as energy, water, food security, and health, “because the challenges are complex and have a direct impact on the stability of both countries.”