BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday sent a message of condolence to Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber following the unfortunate death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter accident.
On behalf of the Chinese government and the people of China, Xi expressed deep condolences and extended sincere sympathies to Mokhber, the family of President Raisi, and the Iranian government and people.
Xi said that since President Raisi took office, he made important contributions to maintaining Iran’s security and stability and promoting national development and prosperity. He added that Raisi also made positive efforts to consolidate and deepen the China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership. Raisi’s tragic death is a great loss to the Iranian people, and the Chinese people also lost a good friend, Xi said.
The Chinese government and Chinese people cherish the traditional friendship between China and Iran, Xi said, noting that with the joint efforts of both sides, the China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership will continue to consolidate and develop.
Earlier, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday expressed deep condolences over the deaths of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian during a joint press briefing with Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu in Astana.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China is deeply saddened by Iran’s official confirmation that Raisi and Amir-Abdollahian lost their lives in a recent helicopter accident.
Wang expressed deep condolences and extended sincere sympathies to the families of the deceased, the Iranian government and the people of Iran. He noted that Raisi and Amir-Abdollahian have made significant contributions to developing China-Iran relations and promoting regional friendly cooperation.
China has actively assisted in the search and rescue efforts following the accident and is ready to continue providing any necessary support to Iran, Wang said, adding that he believes that the Iranian government and people will get through this difficult time. –Agencies
