Staff Reporter

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has sent a message of condolence to the Islamic Republic of Iran following the untimely death of President Dr Ebrahim Seyyed Raisi, Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr Hossein Amir-Abdollahian as well as other Government officials on 19 May 2024 in a helicopter crash.

Speaking in a statement, President Mnangagwa, on behalf of Government, extended his heartfelt condolences to the people of Iran and the families of the late President, Foreign Minister and other victims of the crash.

“On behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Zimbabwe, and, indeed, on my own behalf, I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences on the passing on of President Raisi, the Foreign Affairs Minister and other victims of the helicopter crash. I have very fond memories of my personal interaction with President Raisi when he paid a State Visit to Zimbabwe in July 2023.

The President highlighted the excellent relations between Zimbabwe and Iran cemented by the visit.

“The highly successful visit cemented the excellent relations between our two countries and peoples. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Government and the people of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the families of the deceased, and their loved ones, during this difficult period of grieving,” President Mnangagwa said.

He further, emphasized that the Government of Zimbabwe stands in solidarity with the Islamic Republic of Iran and offers support and sympathy during this difficult time.

President Raisi was described as a visionary leader whose illustrious legacy will be carried by Iran.

“The then Visionary Leader, President Raisi, has tragically departed before he had enjoyed the fruits of his hard work. It is our sincere hope that the leadership in the Islamic Republic of Iran will carry on his illustrious legacy to fruition for the mutual benefit of both our countries and peoples,” said the President.

Meanwhile, this tragedy befell the Islamic Republic of Iran at a time when the two countries were working towards enhancing a mutually shared goal of promoting socio-economic development through broadened and deepened cooperation in the face of sanctions against both nations.