Memories Of The Late Iranian President Raisi, Vladimir Putin: His Entire Life For The Country

Russian President Putin and Iranian President Raisi. (Source: Sergei Bobylev / TASS)

JAKARTA - Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the late President Ebrahim Raisi's dedication to Iran, as well as his contribution to relations between the two countries.

This was conveyed by President Putin when conveying his condolences for the news of the helicopter crash that killed President Raisi and his entourage.

"Sayed Ebrahim Raisi is an extraordinary politician whose entire life serves the country," said President Putin, launching Mehr News Agency on May 20.

"He has the right to enjoy the high respect of his compatriots and the great prestige abroad," he continued.

"As a true friend of Russia, he made a very valuable personal contribution to the development of good neighboring relations between our countries, and made great efforts to bring them to the level of strategic partnerships," President Putin said, as reported by Sputnik.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian were reportedly killed in a helicopter crash in the northwestern province of East Azarbaijan.

The helicopter carrying President Raeisi and his accompanying delegation crashed on Sunday in the forest of Dizmar, located between the cities of Varzaqan and Jolfa in East Azarbaijan Province.

Apart from President Raisi, Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian, the helicopter also brought Governor of East Azarbaijan Michel Rahmati, leader of Friday Prayers in Tabriz Seyyed City Mohammad Ali Al-e Hashem, and member of the presidential escort team Mahdi Mousavi. Pilots, co-pilots, and helicopter crews were also in the helicopter.

The accident occurred after President Raisi and his accompanying delegation returned from the dam inauguration ceremony on the Aras River with President Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

Last December, President Raisi visited Russia after previously visiting the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. On that occasion, he discussed the issue of the Gaza conflict, the war in Ukraine as well as Russia's efforts and OPEC to boost oil prices with President Putin.