Rabat – France’s President Emmanuel Macron has pledged support for Morocco amid an ongoing smear campaign targeting Morocco at a critical time when the North African country is mobilizing all efforts to tackle the disastrous aftermath of an unprecedented earthquake.
Addressing all Moroccans “directly,” Macron said today that he has been saddened by the earthquake that struck Morocco.
The French president acknowledged the ongoing controversies fueled by French media that launched a smear campaign against Morocco, but he made sure to emphatically express his sympathy and compassion for all the people and families whose lives have been turned upside down by the catastrophic earthquake.
“There have been a lot of controversies in recent days that have no place. We have the possibility to provide direct humanitarian assistance,” Macron said.
However, he stressed that this is a sovereign decision and that it is “up to His Majesty the King and the Government of Morocco, in a sovereign manner, to organize the international aid” the country has received as it deals with an unprecedented crisis.
Macron insisted that France is at the disposal of Morocco’s sovereign choice, arguing that his government has expressed its readiness to support Morocco through this tragedy since the “very first second, and in a completely normal way.”
France’s Foreign Affairs Minister Catherine Colonna made similar remarks on Monday, calling on the media to stop engaging in unnecessary controversy.
Colonna said Macron has been in contact with King Mohammed VI, with the two leaders holding conversations on “numerous occasions.”
“I myself had a lengthy discussion with my [Moroccan] counterpart yesterday. All necessary contacts have been established at all levels,” she told BFMTV.
Read also: French FM: Morocco Has Not Refused Aid From France
Many countries have expressed solidarity with Morocco, emphasizing their readiness to send aid to people in need of help.
Morocco’s King and government have thanked all the countries that have expressed their solidarity with the Moroccan people.
A statement from Morocco’s Ministry of Interior reiterated on Sunday the country’s gratitude towards foreign aid, pointing out that Moroccan authorities have conducted an assessment of the needs in the field when accepting aid.
The ministry further emphasized that Morocco has been taking into account the lack of coordination in cases that would lead to counterproductive results, but stressed that further assessment could lead to resorting to support offers from other friendly countries when needed.
