The new representative of the European Investment Bank (EIB) in Morocco, Adrien de Bassompierre, said he was “impressed” by the outpouring of solidarity and unity that came so quickly from all four corners of the Kingdom, following the earthquake that struck several regions of Morocco, and expressed the financial institution’s readiness to provide “short and long-term financial support to Morocco”.
“I’ve only been here since the beginning of September, but I already feel very attached to this country and its generous people. I’ve been impressed by the surge of solidarity and unity that has emanated so quickly from the four corners of the Kingdom”, said de Bassompierre in an interview with MAP.
The Head of the EIB Representation in Morocco stressed that the European Bank, “as a long-standing and unfailing partner of the Kingdom of Morocco, stands by its side and is ready to provide short- and long-term financial support”.
He noted that as of Monday September 11, his institution had begun to assess needs “with our Moroccan partners in order to provide the best possible support in the reconstruction phase, both in terms of expertise and financing”.
The first step, he said, would be to redirect funds available under projects already signed to disaster-stricken areas. Secondly, he added, to propose new lines of financing for reconstruction and increasing resilience to disasters, according to the priorities set by the Moroccan authorities. Finally, he added, to release grant funding for humanitarian needs in the affected areas.
De Bassompierre said he was “delighted and honored to represent the European Investment Bank in Morocco. First of all, to listen, learn and then share ideas and solutions with all our partners”.