The visit marked a significant step forward in bilateral cooperation and underscored Morocco's commitment to inclusive education and social integration.

On this occasion, Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation Azzedine El Midaoui, stated that the visit would “strengthen the excellent relations that have always existed between Morocco and the United States.” He emphasized that the signing of a letter of intent between the Foundation and this prestigious university will serve to “duplicate, while improving, the Gallaudet experience,” thus enabling Morocco to host a university that provides education, in the same environment, to deaf and hard-of-hearing people. 

Minister of Solidarity, Social Integration, and Family, Naïma Ben Yahia, hat this visit comes as part of the “sustained efforts made by Her Royal Highness, through the Lalla Asmaa Foundation, to support deaf and hard of hearing children and youth. In this context, she highlighted that “the signing of a letter of intent between the Foundation and Gallaudet will enable young deaf and hard of hearing Moroccans to benefit from the pioneering experience of this academic institution.”

For his part, Ambassador Youssef Amrani affirmed that this visit is in itself “an eloquent testimony to the depth, the breadth, and the maturity of the exceptional partnership that unites Morocco and the United States of America.”

Beyond the political convergence and sustained diplomatic relations that punctuate this partnership, the human and social component remains an essential and structuring pillar, stated, emphasizing that, in line with the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Her Royal Highness has “enriched our interaction with the United States with renewed vigor, confirming and deepening the closeness and commitment between Rabat and Washington.”

Gallaudet University President Roberta Cordano expressed pride in collaborating with Morocco. “We are so proud for this opportunity to share our knowledge and experience not only in providing higher education opportunities, but also in providing support to transform the lives of deaf people in your country, in the region and Africa,” she remarked.

The President of Gallaudet University added that “the commitment in Morocco is already present,” highlighting that “Morocco’s history and the country is a gateway to collaborations that can happen throughout Africa.

Personal stories added a deeply human dimension to the diplomatic event. Zahra Ketoun, a Moroccan doctoral student at Gallaudet since 2021, expressed pride in her experience, which taught her “skills, knowledge, and support for the deaf communities on a global level”.

The signing of a letter of intent with the Lalla Asmaa Foundation represents “a big step in building a strong foundation of support in access to sign language for the deaf community in Morocco” noted, adding that this agreement reflects Her Royal Highness's commitment and strong support for deaf and hard-of-hearing people in Morocco.

Zakaria El Kantaoui, a former student of the Lalla Asmaa Foundation currently studying English at Gallaudet, echoed this sentiment. “I am a product of the generosity of the Foundation,” he said. He expressed his determination to return to Morocco after his studies to share his knowledge with the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.