Spain thanks Morocco for its aid in Valencia

Spanish Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, expressed his gratitude towards Morocco for the assistance provided to Spain during the devastating floods that occurred in the Valencia region. In a video released by the Ministry of the Interior, Marlaska highlighted that the help received from Morocco came at the most crucial time and was vital for managing the catastrophe.

The aid from Morocco was praised by local authorities, elected officials, members of the Armed Forces, National Police, and Civil Defence. The minister praised the exceptional commitment of the Moroccan teams sent urgently, by instructions of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. He also referred to the “extraordinary coordination” between Moroccan and Spanish commanders.

Marlaska affirmed that the efforts of the Moroccan teams would be remembered by Spaniards with gratitude. “Today, we bid an emotional farewell to our Moroccan friends who have accompanied us in Valencia during these difficult weeks. Your hard work, commitment, and generosity have deeply impacted the hearts of Spaniards,” he stated.

The 103 Moroccan team members performed exemplary work, repairing over 350 kilometers of damaged networks, unblocking more than 5,000 sewers, sweeping over 30 kilometers of streets, and assisting in the repair, rehabilitation, cleaning, and disinfection of over 200 garages. These teams provided 37 pumping trucks, which were especially useful in the most remote villages.

“Since the arrival of the Moroccan troops in mid-November, these 103 troops have done exemplary work. They worked tirelessly to free over 350 kilometers of sewage networks, clean over 200 garages, and remove more than 200 tons of mud,” Marlaska added.

Virginia Barcones, Director-General of Civil Protection, also spoke during the presentation, expressing her sincere thanks to His Majesty King Mohammed VI for his support, which she called “decisive and effective.” She highlighted that these gestures of solidarity between Morocco and Spain are the result of the exceptional relations between the two countries.

At the end of the video, a ceremony was held to present certificates to all those who contributed to saving lives during this catastrophe, considered the largest in Spain in the last 25 years. These certificates recognized the aid given to reconstruction efforts and support for the affected population.