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Former Moroccan Ambassador to Receive Honorary Degree

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL ( 11/30/2007 ) -- Mohamed Benaissa, former Moroccan Ambassador to the United States, will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Minnesota and deliver a lecture at a ceremony at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 4, in Cowles Auditorium at the Humphrey Center, 301 19th Ave. S., Minneapolis.

Benaissa is a university alumnus who earned his bachelor's degree in communications in 1963 and went on to a career in the United Nations in its Food and Agriculture Organization and later as a top diplomat in the Moroccan government. After the ceremony, Benaissa will give a lecture, "Moroccan-American Relations in the Context of Key Global Issues," focusing on his experience as an international diplomat.

"Benaissa has distinguished himself over many years as a man of diplomacy and a man of culture who has built strategic relationships between America and the Arab world," said Gene Allen, former associate vice president of the Office of International Programs, who led Benaissa's nomination. "Thus, for many reasons, he is not only one of our very distinguished alumni, but a notable international diplomat and citizen."

Benaissa served as the foreign minister of Morocco from April 1999 to October 2007. His career in the Moroccan government began when he became part of Morocco's permanent mission to the United Nations. He worked in communication roles for the U.N. Food and Agricultural Organization from 1967 to 1976 and served in the Moroccan parliament from 1976 to 1992. He later served as the Minister of Culture from 1985 until 1992 and the Moroccan ambassador to the United States from 1993 until 1999. His major achievements include establishment of a new strategic relationship between the United States and Morocco, conflict mediation in parts of the Middle East, trade agreements, expansion of cross-cultural linkages and establishment of Morocco as a "non-NATO" ally of the United States.

He was elected mayor of his hometown of Asilah in 1983, serving as a leader whose vision and ability to raise funds led to the rehabilitation of key historic buildings, houses and perimeter fortification walls in ancient Asilah. The project earned an Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 1989. During his tenure in Asilah, he served as editor-in-chief of Al Mithaq and Al Maghrib newspapers.

Morocco's current Ambassador to the United States, Aziz Mekouar, will also be in attendance at the award ceremony. The honorary degree is the highest award conferred by the university. The award recognizes achievement that has added materially to knowledge and to the betterment of society. The Doctor of Laws degree honors individuals who have achieved eminence in public service.

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