Moroccan diplomat hands over financial aid to quake-hit El Salvador

Morocco's ambassador to Mexico, Mohamed El Ayachi, handed to El Salvador's vice president, Carlos Quintanilla, Morocco's financial aid ($ 200,000) to help victims of a quake that hit the Latin American country last Jan. 13.

During his visit to El Salvador from Jan-29 to Feb.1, the Moroccan diplomat expressed the condolences and sympathy of King Mohammed VI, the Moroccan government and people and the kingdom's solidarity which also materialized two years ago when El Salvador was stricken by the devastating Mitch hurricane.

The diplomat stressed Morocco's will to consolidate cooperation and friendship links with El Salvador. He added bilateral relations knew a significant improvement after the signing in March 1998 of a cooperation action plan and other conventions, and two visits by Salvadoran successive foreign ministers in 2000 and 1999.

El Salvador's vice-president expressed in a press conference gratitude to the Moroccan king, government and people for their solidarity which he called "the best example of south-south cooperation that illustrates the Moroccan legendary generosity."

Salvador president said the earthquake left $ one billion in damages and 827 dead people.