China’s President Xi Jinping today paid tribute to Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, describing his “tragic death” in a helicopter crash as “a great loss to the Iranian people.”
Raisi was declared dead on Monday after rescue teams found his crashed helicopter in a fog-shrouded western mountain region.
Xi sent “sincere condolences” to Iran’s first vice president, foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a press briefing. “(Raisi’s) tragic death is a great loss to the Iranian people, and the Chinese people have lost a good friend,” Wang quoted Xi as saying.
China, a close partner of Iran and its largest trade partner, will offer “all necessary support and assistance” and continue to support Iran’s government and people.
According to Wang, Xi stated, “President Raisi has made important contributions to maintaining Iran’s security and stability, promoting national development and prosperity, and also made active efforts to consolidate and develop the China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership.”
Wang also noted China had expressed “deep sorrow” at the death of Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, who was also on the helicopter along with other officials.
The Iranian flag was at half-mast outside its embassy in Beijing. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared five days of national mourning following Raisi’s death.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida also expressed his sorrow, stating, “I am deeply saddened by the sudden passing of H.E. Ayatollah Seyyed Ebrahim RAISI… On behalf of the Government and the people of Japan, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the Government of Iran, the people of Iran and the bereaved family.”
South Korea’s government conveyed condolences through a statement from its Foreign Ministry spokesperson, expressing “deepest condolences and sympathy to the bereaved families and the people of Iran… hopes that the people of Iran, who have lost their leader in an unexpected accident, can overcome their grief through unity.”
Raisi, a 63-year-old conservative cleric, was appointed president of Iran in August 2021 and had forged greater relations between Tehran and Beijing during his tenure. In accordance with the constitution, Mohammad Mokhber, the current first vice president, is widely believed to be his successor, pending approval by the Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
