ARAB AND WORLD
Sat 09 Sep 2023 4:09 pm - Jerusalem Time
Wave of International solidarity with Morocco after earthquake
The earthquake, which killed at least 820 people in Morocco, sparked a wave of solidarity across the world, with many countries offering Rabat assistance.
Algeria, which severed diplomatic relations with Morocco in August 2021 due to deep disagreements over Western Sahara and the security rapprochement between Morocco and Israel, offered “its deepest condolences and sincere sympathy to the families of the victims and the brotherly Moroccan people, with sincere wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured,” according to a statement issued by the Algerian Foreign Ministry. .
Saudi Arabia and Egypt expressed their condolences to Morocco, affirming their solidarity with this country, and the President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, also extended his condolences to Morocco.
The King of Jordan, King Abdullah II, expressed his condolences to the victims of the earthquake, stressing in a statement issued by the Royal Court that “Jordan stands alongside the brothers in the Kingdom of Morocco in this painful incident.”
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani offered his condolences “to the people and government of Morocco” after the “horrific earthquake,” in a statement published on the ministry’s website.
Likewise, Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani offered his condolences, stressing in a message to the Moroccan king “the solidarity of the Iraqi government and people.”
Morocco, which normalized its relations with Israel in 2020, received an offer of assistance from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who announced that he had given “instructions to all governmental bodies and forces to provide all necessary assistance to the Moroccan people,” according to a statement issued by his office.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his "movement" and offered to help his country.
He wrote on the “X” platform of the plane that was taking him to New Delhi to participate in the G20 summit, “We are all affected after the terrible earthquake in Morocco. France is ready to assist in rescue operations.”
For her part, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that she learned “with sadness of the tragic toll of the earthquake” and expressed her “solidarity with the Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, stressing Italy’s determination to support Morocco in this emergency situation.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez wrote on “X” expressing “all my solidarity and all my support for the people of Morocco after this horrific earthquake,” and Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albarez told reporters on the sidelines of the G20 summit that his country “offered to Morocco to send ambulance teams, which is the most important thing at the time.” present, but also its assistance for reconstruction.”
British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly expressed on the “X” platform his country’s readiness “to help by all possible means.”
Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said, "Our thoughts go out to the victims and their families," offering "sincere condolences to the Moroccan government and people."
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen affirmed her "standing with the Moroccan people," and the bloc's Foreign Minister Josep Borrell expressed "the European Union's readiness to provide Morocco with the assistance it desires."
Swiss President Alain Berset offered his condolences to Morocco, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the activation of a crisis cell, confirming that it was considering sending aid.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced in a statement addressed to the King of Morocco, “We share the grief and mourning of the friendly Moroccan people,” offering his “sincere condolences.”
Also, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky offered his "sincere condolences" to the Moroccan King and the Moroccan people, stressing his country's "solidarity."
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his condolences to the “brotherly” Moroccan people, stressing his country’s support “by all means.”
Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a "telegram of condolence" to Morocco.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences to Morocco, expressing his "great sadness at the loss of lives."
The President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, expressed his "deep shock" in a letter of condolence addressed to the King of Morocco.
US President Joe Biden expressed his "great sadness at the loss of lives and destruction" as a result of the earthquake, stressing "the readiness of (the United States) to provide any necessary assistance to the Moroccan people."
The Director of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, announced via “X” that he directed “his thoughts and prayers to the Moroccans,” expressing “our readiness to meet the immediate needs on the health front.”
The Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Hussein Ibrahim Taha, offered his condolences, stressing the organization’s “solidarity and standing by” Morocco.
Also, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, offered his condolences, expressing “great pain over the tragic consequences of the earthquake.”
Pope Francis expressed his "deep solidarity with those who have been struck in their bodies and hearts by this tragedy."
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Wave of International solidarity with Morocco after earthquake