French President Emmanuel Macron stated today that France is prepared to support Morocco once Moroccan authorities give their consent.
Macron affirmed France’s readiness to assist Morocco during his remarks at the conclusion of the G20 summit in New Delhi, saying, “We have mobilized all technical and security teams to intervene when the Moroccan authorities deem it beneficial.”
He emphasized that Moroccan authorities “know precisely what we can provide, its nature, and the timing,” assuring that “the moment this assistance is requested, we are ready for it.”
Macron pointed out that it is up to Moroccan authorities “to decide based on their on-ground assessment” how French assistance can be most beneficial.
On the French side, Anne Claire Lojendre, spokesperson for the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated today that France is ready to assist Morocco following a powerful earthquake that struck late on Friday, claiming the lives of over two thousand people. However, France is awaiting an official request for assistance.
Lojendre told BFMTV, “Our embassy in Morocco is on high alert. The situation is under the control of Moroccan authorities today, and an evaluation is underway. At this stage, Morocco has not requested assistance.”
On Saturday, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his sympathy and offered French assistance in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Morocco. Macron shared his sentiments via the “Ex” platform while en route to New Delhi to participate in the G20 summit, saying, “We are all deeply affected by the terrible earthquake in Morocco. France is ready to assist in rescue operations.”
In a related context, a French Ministry of Foreign Affairs official stated on Saturday that a French citizen had tragically lost his life, while eight others were injured in the earthquake that struck Morocco late on Friday. The French citizen reportedly suffered a heart attack during the earthquake, with no further details provided.
It is noteworthy that the death toll from the earthquake, which occurred on Friday evening with its epicenter in the Igil commune in the Al Hoceïma region, has risen to 2,012 fatalities and 2,059 injuries, including 1,404 serious injuries, according to an updated report from the Ministry of the Interior released around 10:00 PM on Saturday.
