Mehidi said the medal (called Ouissam Royale Alaouite de l'Ordre d'Officier in French) is the royal recognition of outstanding people from both home and abroad, and was awarded to Xu for his contribution to the promotion of cultural ties between the two countries and his academic achievements.

The ambassador said Morocco attaches great importance to "investing in human resources," and wishes to further develop its cooperation with China especially "in the cultural and educational fields."

He said he hopes Chinese universities, including Peking University, will accept more Moroccan students in the future.

Xu said the honor was given not only to him, but to his university as well.

He said Beijing University had long cooperated with Africa in education, and promises to increase cultural and educational exchanges with Morocco and other African countries.

(Xinhua News Agency August 29, 2002)