RABAT: Following a powerful earthquake that struck southwest of the tourist hotspot Marrakesh, resulting in the tragic loss of over 1000 lives, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have led the response of international condolences to Morocco.
In an official statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry expressed the Kingdom’s solidarity with the people of Morocco and offered heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims while wishing a swift recovery for the injured.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed conveyed his deepest condolences to King Mohammed VI of Morocco and the Moroccan people through X (formerly Twitter). He pledged the UAE’s support during this challenging time and wished a speedy recovery to all those affected. Furthermore, he ordered the establishment of an “air bridge” to deliver critical relief to Morocco, as reported by the state news agency WAM.
أعزي أخي الملك محمد السادس والشعب المغربي في ضحايا الزلزال. لقد تألمنا لهذا الحادث ونقف إلى جانب إخواننا في المغرب الشقيق ونتضامن معهم في هذه الأوقات الصعبة. حفظ الله المغرب من كل شر.
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) September 9, 2023
International Support for Morocco
Pakistan has offered support in the relief efforts after a powerful earthquake rattled Morocco. The people of Pakistan and the government stand in solidarity with the Kingdom of Morocco in the aftermath of the recent deadly earthquake, said Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, the Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Pakistan’s Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has expressed his grief over the loss of lives in a severe earthquake that jolted Morocco. The PM expressed condolences to the government and the people of Morocco, according to the PM Office press release.
Egypt and Palestine also expressed their condolences, reaffirming their “full solidarity” with the Moroccan people and government as they grapple with the aftermath of the devastating earthquake.
Algeria expressed its sincere condolences to the Moroccan people for the victims of the earthquake. In its statement, the Algerian Foreign Ministry expressed deep sorrow for the consequences of the violent earthquake.
Several other Arab leaders offered assistance to Morocco. Tunisia’s President Kais Saied authorized coordination with Moroccan authorities to provide urgent aid and send civil protection teams to support search and rescue efforts. He also facilitated the deployment of a delegation from the Tunisian Red Crescent to contribute to relief operations and assist the injured.
King Abdullah II of Jordan urged his government to offer all possible assistance to Morocco, while Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani expressed his condolences to the Moroccan government and people, pledging readiness to provide various forms of aid.
Hissein Brahim Taha, the Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, offered prayers for “mercy on the victims and a speedy recovery for the injured.”
Moussa Faki Mahamat, the head of the African Union Commission, conveyed his deep sadness over the earthquake’s tragic consequences, expressing his “sincere condolences” to King Mohammed VI, the Moroccan people, and the families of the victims.
The Pope conveyed his “profound solidarity” with Morocco, while French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his devastation and offered France’s assistance. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed solidarity and support for the Moroccan people. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also offered condolences and support, emphasizing their readiness to assist Morocco.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and top EU diplomat Josep Borrell expressed sympathy and readiness to provide assistance to Morocco. European Council President Charles Michel confirmed the EU’s preparedness to support Morocco during these challenging times.
Leaders of Russia and Ukraine, Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky, respectively, offered their condolences and expressed their solidarity with Morocco.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan extended their sympathies and offered support to Morocco during this difficult period.
WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus pledged support for immediate health needs. Jagan Chapagain, head of the International Federation for Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), noted that teams from the Moroccan Red Crescent were already aiding the affected, and the IFRC stands ready to provide further support.
