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Rabat – In the presence of IMF and World Bank presidents, King Mohammed VI dedicated a portion of his speech today to thanking Moroccans and foreign countries that contributed to the country’s relief efforts in the devastating aftermath of the September 8 earthquake.
The monarch made his remarks in a speech to MPs at the parliament, marking the opening of the first session of the third legislative year of the 11th legislature on Friday.
The speech served as an opportunity to recall the humanitarian approach taken by all Moroccans – both the government and people — to extend a helping hand to the earthquake-affected areas and citizens.
On September 8, Morocco witnessed the deadliest and strongest earthquake to have hit the country in 120 years, killing nearly 3,000 people while over 5,000 others were injured.
Speaking before MPs and the Director General of International Monetary Fund (IMF) Kristalina Georgieva and World Bank President Ajay Banga, King Mohammed VI expressed satisfaction with Moroccans’ mobilization following the earthquake.
Reiterating Morocco’s determination to accompany affected areas and population, the monarch stressed that the government is mobilized to expedite the upgrading and reconstruction of the affected areas.
“Beyond the horrific nature of the tragedy, what alleviates our suffering and, indeed, makes us proud, is the reaction of civil society and of all Moroccans – in the homeland and abroad – who have shown heartfelt, spontaneous solidarity with their afflicted brothers and sisters,” King Mohammed VI said.
The monarch also expressed his satisfaction with the efforts of Royal Armed Forces and Security services as well as the various government departments for their sacrifice and sense of purpose in providing relief and assistance to the affected populations.
For the monarch, the tragedy left valuable lessons and showcased the authentic values of the Moroccan spirit.
“That is the spirit and those are the lofty values ingrained in our DNA.We see them as the cornerstone of our unity and of the cohesion of Moroccan society,” he added.
In addition to the human resources deployed to assist the affected people, King Mohammed VI ordered the government to put in place a budget of $11.7 billion, benefiting approximately 4.2 million people.
The budget covers monthly allowances that families will receive for a period of year. Each family will receive $243 per month under the program.
Families whose homes collapsed in the earthquake will receive $13,600 in compensation. As for those whose homes are partially damaged, they will receive $7,780 in compensation.
In addition to the government measures, a group of countries pledged to send aid to help Morocco mitigate the earthquake crisis. Based on its need and assessments, Morocco accepted the ad from a group of countries – including UK, Qatar, UAE, and Spain.
Aside from humanitarian aid, the countries sent human resources, including rescuers to assist in helping the earthquake affected population.
Following the rescue operation, King Mohammed VI addressed several messages to the countries to express Morocco’s appreciation and gratitude for the aid received by the North African country.
King Mohammed VI reiterated thanks in today’s speech to all Morocco’s “friends and to sister nations that showed solidarity with the Moroccan people and stood by us during those painful circumstances.”
Recalling Morocco’s values, the monarch said that they are enshrined in the country’s constitution, referencing religious and spiritual values “at the forefront,” stressing that this is based on spirit of moderation, operanance, tolerance, and interfaith.
“This is what makes Morocco a model of coexistence between Moroccan Muslims and Jews alike. Ours is a country in which other faiths and cultures are duly respected,” he said.
