World leaders offer solidarity after Morocco quake - Newssails

Leaders and diplomats the world over expressed condolences and support on Saturday for Morocco after a devastating earthquake struck near tourist hotspot Marrakesh.

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The 6.8-magnitude earthquake that hit late Friday killed at least 632 people and injured 329 others, including 51 in critical condition, according to Moroccan authorities.

Support poured in from leaders across the world, including:

The pope expressed his "profound solidarity" with Morocco after the quake, according to the Vatican.

French President Emmanuel Macron meanwhile said he was "devastated" by news of the quake, adding that "France stands ready to help with first aid".

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, of Morocco's cross-strait neighbour Spain, expressed his "solidarity and support to the people of Morocco in the wake of this terrible earthquake... Spain is with the victims of this tragedy".

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said "our thoughts are with the victims of this devastating earthquake. Our sympathy goes out to all those affected".

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she "learned with grief of the tragic toll" from the quake and pointed to "Italy's willingness to support Morocco in this emergency".

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed sympathy "with the Moroccan people in the face of the terrible earthquake", while top EU diplomat Josep Borrell said the bloc is ready to provide Morocco "the assistance it wishes".

European Council President Charles Michel wrote on X, formerly Twitter, "that EU stands ready to support Morocco in these difficult moments".

Swiss President Alain Berset expressed his condolences. The country's foreign ministry said it activated a crisis cell and is evaluating sending aid.

The leaders of both Russia and Ukraine also offered their sympathies.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his "deepest condolences to HM King Mohammed VI and all Moroccans for the lives lost in the horrible earthquake".