Moroccan Ambassador Puneet Talwar makes diplomatic visit to UNE's Tangier Campus

The University of New England (UNE) welcomed Puneet Talwar, U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco, to its Tangier Campus on Thursday, Nov. 14, for a day focused on cultural exchange, education, and diplomacy. 

During his visit, Talwar met with students, faculty, and professional staff, toured campus facilities, and delivered remarks that highlighted Morocco’s unique role in promoting coexistence and collaboration in the region.

In his address to the UNE community, Talwar touched on the historical significance of U.S.–Morocco relations, emphasizing the importance of cultural understanding and shared values between the two nations. He acknowledged UNE’s Tangier Campus as the sole American campus in North Africa and praised the University’s role in fostering international understanding through education, community engagement, and cultural collaboration.

He further commended Morocco’s longstanding culture of diversity, tolerance, and interdependence, even among pressing global conflicts like the ongoing tragedies in Gaza and the Russia-Ukraine war. He attributed this legacy to centuries of cultural exchange and a commitment to community that has been fostered under King Mohammed VI’s leadership.

“What they have here is something much deeper (than tolerance),” Talwar said in his remarks. “It’s coexistence; it’s codependency. It’s creating something that is greater than the sum of its parts.”

U.S. Ambassador Puneet Talwar made a diplomatic visit to UNE’s campus in Tangier, Morocco, on Thursday, Nov. 15, where he met with students and faculty, gave remarks about the value of U.S.-Moroccan relations, and explored the University’s world-class classroom and laboratory facilities.

Talwar also praised Morocco’s developmental progress under the King’s leadership, specifically noting the visionary Tanger Med port — one of the largest in the region — as well as advancements across various other sectors that underscore the country’s growth and modernization.

Douaa Ben Imran, managing director of the Tangier Campus, expressed her enthusiasm for the ambassador’s visit. 

“Hosting the ambassador at UNE’s Tangier Campus showcased our vision of providing life-changing educational experiences that expand our students’ global perspectives,” she said. “His visit underscores our dedication to fostering a campus environment where students acquire invaluable skills and cultural insights, preparing them to become compassionate and informed leaders in our interconnected world.”

UNE recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Tangier Campus with a special ceremony commemorating a decade global education and cross-cultural learning. Since its founding in 2014, the campus has hosted over 745 students, including 591 undergraduates who have engaged in semester-long study abroad programs, providing an immersive experience in one of the world’s most culturally rich regions.