KUWAIT: The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran has opened a three-day condolence book on Tuesday to honor the Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian, and other members of their delegation who tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash in northwest Iran.
Kuwaiti Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, offered his deep condolences on the death of the Iranian president and foreign minister on behalf of His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. He wished for God to envelop them with His vast mercy. He added, "we pray for our dear neighboring country to overcome this painful incident and to always remain blessed with peace and stability.”
Expressing his deep sorrow upon receiving the tragic news, Kuwait Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya extended sincere condolences to the Islamic Republic of Iran, its leadership, government, and citizens, as well as to the bereaved families and the entire Iranian community. In addition to praying for God to shower them with His vast mercy, he said, "May they find solace in the love of their dear ones and may their departed souls find eternal peace.”
Kuwait’s former Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr Ahmed Nasser Al-Sabah, echoed these sentiments, beseeching the Almighty to grant comfort and patience to the grieving families. The Iranian Ambassador to Kuwait, Mohammad Toutounchi, extended his condolences to the Iranian nation and people over the loss of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Dr Amirhossein Abdollahian, and other officials who were martyred in the line of duty.
He expressed gratitude to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and HH the Prime Minister Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah for their condolences and support. Regarding future arrangements, he referred to an announcement by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, indicating that Mohammad Mokhber, the Vice President, would assume the role of interim president following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi.
Additionally, he noted that according to the Iranian Constitution, a council comprising the heads of the judiciary and legislature, along with Mohammad Mokhber, would be established to facilitate presidential elections within fifty days. Meanwhile, Ali Bagheri Kani will temporarily oversee the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs until the new government assumes office.
Toutounchi stated that the government of the late president witnessed a strengthening of relations with countries around the world, particularly mentioning Arab nations such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Holding pride in the late president’s legacy, he added, "as you all know, the martyred president was a staunch defender and supporter of Palestine and the people of Gaza against the usurping Zionist entity. His martyrdom is a great loss for the Iranian people and for the peaceful and glorious nation.”
The occasion was marked by the attendance of distinguished representatives from various Gulf countries. Ambassadors from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman joined at the embassy to extend their heartfelt condolences. They expressed their deep sorrow and solidarity with the Iranian people, offering prayers for the deceased souls to rest in peace.
Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Emil Karimov, emphasized that Azerbaijan stands in solidarity with the grieving families and communities, and he prayed for God to bestow patience and strength upon them during this challenging time. He remarked, "On this day of mourning, we pray for mercy for those who have passed. May their souls find peace and their memories be honored.”
Chinese Ambassador to Kuwait, Zhang Jianwei, expressed deep condolences on behalf of the Chinese people, emphasizing the profound loss felt by both the Iranian and Chinese nations. He remarked, "The Chinese people have lost a cherished friend,” highlighting the significance of the friendship between the two countries. Ambassador Zhang reiterated China’s commitment to strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Iran, affirming the belief that their relationship will continue to flourish and grow stronger in the face of this tragic loss.
South African Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr Manelisi Genge, extended heartfelt sympathy to the families of the deceased, expressing wishes for their swift recovery from the shock of the tragic news. He also conveyed hopes for Iran to find peace and strength in coping with this deeply saddening event. The Turkish Ambassador to Kuwait, Tuba Nur Sonmez conveyed deep sorrow over President Raisi’s death. She announced her country’s declaration of one day of national mourning to honor the memory of the late President, reflecting the profound impact of his loss on both nations.
Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr Adarsh Swaika, expressed his deepest condolences on the tragic and untimely demise of the Iranian President and Foreign Minister. He emphasized India’s solidarity with Iran, pledging full support during this difficult time. Dr Swaika also announced that India would declare a one day of state mourning as a mark of respect for the departed leader.
More ambassadors from various countries also attended to express their condolences in the book, including Armenia, Sudan, Thailand, Iraq, India, Peru, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Japan, Malaysia, Korea, Sweden and Tajikistan. This international solidarity highlighted the interconnectedness of nations and their collective mourning for the tragic loss of the Iranian President and Foreign Minister.