MSU, Morocco sign deal

STARKVILLE, Miss. — Mississippi State University President Mark E. Keenum has been named Honorary Consul to the Kingdom of Morocco in Mississippi by Moroccan Ambassador Rachad Bouhlal, the country’s ambassador to the U.S., at an event Sept. 11 on the Starkville campus. The MSU president will work to help further develop cultural and business relationships between Mississippi and North African nation. Keenum had developed diplomatic and business relationships with key Moroccan officials. Earlier this year, the ambassador gave a speech at MSU and met Gov. Phil Bryant and state economic development officials. Keenum’s appointment was approved by the U.S. State Department. (Source: Mississippi State University 09/11/15) Central Mississippi Note: MSU also signed a memorandum of understanding agreement with the International University of Rabat for implementation of a School of Automotive Engineering on the Moroccan campus.