Malaysia expresses condolences over Iran President's death in helicopter crash

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia will continue working with Iran for the betterment of the people of both nations and the Muslim world, assured Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, despite the loss of its president in a helicopter crash on Monday.

Expressing condolences for the loss of Iran's president Ebrahim Raisi and his foreign minister Dr Hossein Amirabdollahian who were both killed in the tragedy, Anwar said he would fulfill the pledge they made.

"I am deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of Ebrahim Raisi and Hossein Amir, and several other officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

"My heartfelt condolences go out to the people of Iran during this profoundly difficult time.

"May Allah bless their souls and place them among the Righteous," said Anwar on his official social media pages.

He added that he had the honour of meeting Raisi on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly last November and commended the latter's leadership.

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"He exemplified a deep commitment to the welfare of his people and the dignity of his nation, which represents a proud and rich civilisation rooted in the principles of Islam.

"His dedication to justice, peace, and the upliftment of the ummah was truly inspiring.

"We committed ourselves to bolstering Malaysia-Iran relations, working together for the betterment of our peoples and the Muslim world.

"Our pledge will be fulfilled," said Anwar.

The Foreign Ministry also extended its condolences to the families of the deceased, the people of Iran and all those affected by the tragic incident.

“In this moment of grief, Malaysia stands in solidarity with Iran and offers our thoughts and prayers to the nation during this difficult time," it said in a statement on the Monday (May 20).

Raisi and the others had been confirmed dead after a helicopter carrying him and other officials crashed in a mountainous and forested area of the country in poor weather.

Meanwhile, PAS also expressed condolences over the tragic incident.

Its president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang said the party expresses its condolences to their families.

"PAS expresses its condolences to the family of Raisi, who was killed in a helicopter crash in northern Iran, this morning.

"Also involved in this tragedy is Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian.

"May Raisi and Amirabdollahian be placed among His righteous martyrs and servants," he said.