UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan, on behalf of Islamic countries, paid tribute to the late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi during a session at the UN General Assembly on Thursday.
Ambassador Munir Akram highlighted Raisi’s contributions to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and his efforts to restore Palestinian rights and protect Al-Quds Al-Sharif.
Speaking to the 193-member Assembly, Ambassador Akram praised Raisi’s leadership, which he said strengthened the OIC and promoted global peace, security, and prosperity. The Assembly observed a moment of silence before countries and regional groups delivered their tributes.
President Raisi, a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was martyred in a helicopter crash near the Azerbaijan border on May 19. The United States boycotted the ceremony, citing Raisi’s alleged human rights violations. Ambassador Akram prayed for Raisi’s eternal peace and highlighted his socio-economic and political contributions to Iran.
Ambassador Akram emphasized Raisi’s role in promoting friendly relations among OIC member states and his advocacy for a new global political and socio-economic order based on justice and freedom. He also paid tribute to Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian and other officials who perished in the crash, recognizing Abdollahian’s support for Palestinian liberation.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres acknowledged Raisi’s leadership during challenging times and expressed solidarity with the Iranian people. Iran’s UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani reflected on the profound impact of Raisi and Abdollahian, describing them as symbols of hope and resilience.
A presidential election to replace Raisi is scheduled for June 28.
