21 May 2024, 16:23

Entry on behalf of Belarusian president left in book of condolences in Iranian Embassy

MINSK, 21 May (BelTA) - The entry on behalf of Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko was made in the book of condolences in the Iranian Embassy in Minsk by First Deputy Head of the President Administration Maksim Ryzhenkov, BelTA has learned.

"On behalf of the people of the Republic of Belarus and myself, I express our sincere condolences in connection with the tragic death in a helicopter crash of my friend, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ebrahim Raisi, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian and other persons accompanying the president," the condolence message on behalf of the Belarusian head of state says. "The outstanding political figures passed away in the prime of their political careers. They did a lot to strengthen the authority of their state, the well-being of its residents."

The message noted that just over a year ago, the Belarusian delegation had the opportunity to experience a warm, friendly welcome on the hospitable Iranian land. An agreement was reached with the Iranian colleagues on a large number of projects and initiatives. The leaders of the two countries discussed issues of the international agenda and bilateral cooperation.

"I will remember him as a very professional and wise politician who did a lot to strengthen the Belarusian-Iranian relations," the condolence message says. "I convey words of support and wishes of fortitude to the families, friends and colleagues of the victims. I am deeply grieving together with the entire Iranian people."

As an expression of condolences and in memory of the tragic death of the Iranian president and high-ranking leaders of this country, Maksim Ryzhenkov handed over to the embassy a basket of white roses from Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko.

“Iran is our friend. The peoples of Belarus and Iran have a very long relationship of mutual support. We resolve all issues peacefully, support each other in all areas of our bilateral relations,” he told the media. “Today's condolences are not only a manifestation of respect for the leader of Iran, who was directly engaged in all the stages of the development of the modern Iranian state from the very first steps of his political and public career. This is a person who has really done a lot for our bilateral relations.”

According to the first deputy head of the Belarus President Administration, Aleksandr Lukashenko and Ebrahim Raisi had very close and friendly relations, which was demonstrated during the Belarusian head of state’s visit to Iran in 2023. Back then, solid, long-term foundations were laid for the development of bilateral relations in all the areas.

State Secretary of the Security Council Aleksandr Volfovich signed the book of condolences in the Iranian Embassy on behalf of the Secretariat of the Security Council: “This irreplaceable loss painfully resonates with every Belarusian. In this difficult hour we share the pain and bitterness of loss, we are mourning together with the friendly Iranian people.”

Talking to journalists, Aleksandr Volfovich emphasized that together with the Belarusian people he shares the feeling of grief and loss over the tragic death of the president of Iran and high-ranking leaders of the country. “It is heartbreaking to learn any life is lost,” he said. “We have indeed lost a friend of Belarus.” The state secretary stressed that both Belarus and Iran are in favor of a multipolar world, equality, justice, respect for the policies pursued by sovereign states, and the inadmissibility of sanctions. “Such a policy was pursued by the president of Iran. It is sad when such people suddenly pass away. The memory of them remains in the hearts of people. Belarus respects and appreciates friends,” Aleksandr Volfovich said.

Belarusian First Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Lukashevich also arrived at the Iranian Embassy to offer his condolences over the tragic events. "Belarusians are warm-hearted people. Our heart bleeds for everyone who is suffering. It is on the sad occasion that we are visiting the Iranian Embassy these days," Sergei Lukashevich told the media. "We share the pain of the loss of the Iranian people. As the president noted in his message, a friend of Belarus has passed away. This is a loss for us too." Sergei Lukashevich expressed hope that, having overcome all the difficulties, Belarus-Iran cooperation will increasingly pick up pace and the implementation of all the agreements reached will continue.

Earlier in the day, the Iranian Embassy hosted Chairperson of the Council of the Republic Natalya Kochanova and Chairperson of the House of Representatives Igor Sergeyenko.

“President Ebrahim Raisi will forever remain in our hearts as a friend of Belarus, a prominent political, spiritual and state figure who devoted his entire life to selfless service to the Iranian people, strengthening the international position and authority of the Islamic Republic of Iran. We highly appreciate Ebrahim Raisi's contribution to the development of Belarusian-Iranian cooperation and friendship between our countries. I am convinced that the memory of the exceptional and principled leader will forever remain in the hearts of millions of citizens around the world. We sincerely empathize with the people of Iran and share with them the grief and sorrow of your loss,” Speaker of the upper house of Belarusian Parliament Natalya Kochanova said in her message.

"It was with deep sorrow that the Belarusian MPs learned the news of the death of the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ebrahim Raisi and his entourage in a helicopter crash in a mountainous region in northwestern Iran," the condolence message reads. “Iran lost a wise and talented statesman, a courageous person devoted to his Fatherland and the people. The Iranian president enjoyed the sincere love of millions of people. Ebrahim Raisi made significant efforts to strengthen Belarusian-Iranian ties in various fields, including inter-parliamentary cooperation. We will keep the blessed memory of him in our hearts."

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Republic of Belarus Alireza Sanei thanked Belarus for its support and solidarity with the Iranian people. “In Iran we say that a friend in need is a friend indeed. We really feel this here in Belarus,” the diplomat said as he talked to the media. According to him, from the first hours after the tragedy, Belarusians (officials of various levels, including high-ranking officials, representatives of organizations, and ordinary citizens) have been coming to the Iranian Embassy to bring flowers and express condolences in connection with the tragic event. Many senior officials expressed words of condolences over the phone the day before, and many come to the embassy in person on 21 May to leave an entry in the book of condolences and express solidarity with the people of Iran.