Remarks by the President of the General Assembly,
Mr. Dennis Francis,
at the Plenary Meeting to Pay Tribute to the Memory of H.E. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, Former President of the Islamic Republic of Iran
30 May 2024
[As Delivered]
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Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
We convene here today to offer our deepest condolences to the Government and people of Iran – following the passing of His Excellency Mr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic.
Together with his entourage, His Excellency President Raisi died in a helicopter crash incident on 19 May 2024 – which occurred in a mountainous northern region of East Azerbaijan province.
Throughout his career, His Excellency President Raisi held significant roles in Iranian society and Government – and, as President, led his country’s contribution to shape the tenets of our multilateral system and international cooperation.
Just a mere 10 months before his demise, His Excellency President Raisi addressed the General Debate of this esteemed 78th session in September – clearly articulating his country’s priorities as well as the values underpinning Iran’s posture in promoting multilateralism and international cooperation.
Today, we also honour the memory of Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian – a consummate diplomat, who faithfully stood alongside President Raisi in representing Iran on the global stage.
On 21 September 2023 – soon after assuming my role as President of the General Assembly – I had the distinct pleasure of receiving, unknowingly for the last time, Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian for a bilateral meeting in my office; and I greatly appreciated his diplomatic acumen.
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
I encourage the Iranian people to gather courage and come to terms with their profound loss – and I am confident that their resilience will guide them to demonstrate remarkable strength in this difficult time of mourning.
As a sovereign founding Member State of this organization, I also have no doubt that Iran will look beyond the passing of His Excellency President Raisi – and continue its engagement in shaping contemporary international relations.
As the country embarks on the ensuing leadership transition – I take this opportunity to recall the request conveyed by the Permanent Mission of Iran in its letter of 20 May for the international community’s support to overcome this tragedy and continue on the path of peace and development.
Let us use this moment as an occasion to bid farewell to His Excellency President Raisi – and to offer to his People and to the Government of Iran, our deepest condolences.
May His Excellency and all those who perished with him rest in peace.
I thank you.
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