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Rabat – The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) has announced a funding allocation of £1.45 million (MAD 17.9 million) to aid Morocco’s recovery from the recent earthquake that hit the Al Haouz region.
The funds are set to address both immediate needs and support long-term development within the affected communities, in line with Morocco’s 5-year recovery plan, said the UK government in a press release.
The financial assistance will be channeled into various sectors, notably health services and shelter, with a focus on collaboration with farmers and cooperatives to bring high-quality local agricultural products to market.
The initiative, while boosting the local economy, will also prioritize the protection of Morocco’s biodiversity.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt acknowledged the resilience and determination of the Moroccan people in bouncing back after the tragic earthquake.
“The UK is always willing to help our friends in need and the additional £1.45million announced today will help support Moroccans as they rebuild their lives,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State for Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, United Nations, and the Commonwealth, stressed the UK’s commitment to supporting Morocco’s recovery efforts.
Read also: Al Haouz Earthquake: King Says Moroccans Solidarity Shows Morocco’s Authentic Values
“The UK-Morocco partnership is thriving and we stand ready to provide further support,” he said.
The UK’s support comes during a week when Marrakech is hosting the Annual Meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, in which the UK’s Minister for Development and Africa Andrew Mitchell and Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt are participating.
Mitchell has been meeting with UK and other non-governmental organizations supporting the Moroccan response, including the Global Diversity Foundation (GDF).
GDF, collaborating with the Moroccan Biodiversity and Livelihoods Association (MBLA), has been working with local authorities to promote sustainable agriculture in the region.
In addition to financial aid, the UK has deployed the International Search and Rescue Team (UK-ISAR) and the UK Emergency Medical Team (UK EMT) to assist Moroccan authorities in search and rescue operations.
