"Fearless leader, dedicated servant" Ruto joins world leaders in mourning Iranian President Raisi

The late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi (left) and President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi on July 12, 2023. (Photo: PCS)

Russian President Vladimir Putin described Raisi as an outstanding politician whose entire life was devoted to serving the Motherland.

"As a true friend of Russia, he made an invaluable personal contribution to the development of good neighbourly relations between our countries and made great efforts to bring them to the level of strategic partnership."

"As a colleague who personally witnessed his efforts for the peace of the Iranian people and our region during his time in power, I remember Mr. Raisi with respect and gratitude," Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan posted on X.

"The Somali Government expresses its profound sympathy and condolences to the Government and the people of the Republic of Iran on the sad passing of President Ibrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and other officials accompanying them following the tragic helicopter crash," President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said.

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamin Bin Hamad al-Thani said, "Sincere condolences to the government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran...asking God Almighty for mercy and forgiveness for them and for their families with patience and solace. We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic demise of Dr Seyed Ebrahim Raisi, president of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

"His contribution to strengthening the India-Iran bilateral relationship will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Iran. India stands with Iran in this time of sorrow."

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the Iranian nation will overcome the tragedy with customary courage.

"Pakistan will observe a day of mourning and the flag will fly at half mast as a mark of respect for President Raisi and his companions and in solidarity with brotherly Iran," he said.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas extended his sincere condolences and sympathy to the "brotherly Iranian people" for the passing of the late President Ibrahim Raisi and the Foreign Minister.

"Praying to Almighty God to bestow His vast mercy upon the deceased Iranian President and the others, and to grant patience and solace to their families, affirming the solidarity of the State of Palestine and its people with the Iranian leadership and people in this great affliction."

"The president of the Arab Republic of Egypt ... prays that the deceased Iranian President and the departed may rest in God Almighty's mercy, and grant their families patience and solace, expressing the solidarity of the Arab Republic of Egypt with the Iranian leadership and people in this terrible incident," Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi said.

"While the President of the Sovereign Council extends his sincere condolences and sympathy to the friendly Iranian people, he prays to God Almighty that he may have mercy on the President and his companions, and grant their families patience and solace, expressing the solidarity of the Government of Sudan and its people with the leadership and the Iranian people in this great loss," Sudan's Sovereign Council Head Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan said.

Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad affirmed Syria's solidarity with the Islamic Republic of Iran and the families of the dead, adding that Raisi's dedication to his work and duties had taken him to East Azerbaijan to inaugurate a vital project for his country, where he was martyred in the line of duty.

"Assad added that Syria had worked with the late president to ensure strategic ties between Syria and Iran remained prosperous, recalling Raisi's important visit to Syria as part of enhancing ties for the benefit of both nations," he said.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, Ali Khamenei, and to the nation of Iran, its government and its people. We express our solidarity with the brotherly Iranian people and the officials of the Islamic Republic during this painful tragedy," Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani said.