President William Ruto of Kenya has extended his heartfelt condolences following the tragic death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.
President Raisi, along with Foreign Minister Hossein Abdollahian and several senior officials, lost their lives in a helicopter crash on May 19, 2024, evening.
In a Monday, May 20 statement, President Ruto noted that Raisi was celebrated for his fearless leadership and unwavering dedication to public service.
According to the head of state, the late president’s career was marked by a strong commitment to the causes he believed in and his efforts to elevate Iran’s standing on the global stage.
“President Raisi was celebrated for his fearless leadership and unwavering dedication to public service,”
“His distinguished career was marked by a strong commitment to the causes he believed in and his efforts to elevate Iran’s standing on the global stage,” stated Ruto.
The death of President Raisi according to Ruto is not just a loss for Iran but also a moment of shared sorrow for nations like Kenya, which have enjoyed cordial and mutually beneficial relations with the country.
Ruto Acknowledges Kenya-Iran Relationship
President Ruto in his statement stressed the importance of the bond between the two countries, which was highlighted by Raisi’s visit to Kenya, his first destination on the African continent during his presidency.
This visit as Ruto stated symbolized the robust and warm relations between Kenya and Iran, pointing out the mutual respect and cooperation that have characterized their diplomatic interactions.
“Kenya and the Republic of Iran share cordial relations signified by the fact that in his first-ever trip to the African Continent as President, H.E. Ebrahim Raisi chose Kenya as his first destination,” President Ruto said.
Also Read: Iran President Ebrahim Raisi Confirmed Dead
This historic visit not only strengthened bilateral relations but also opened new avenues for collaboration in various sectors, further solidifying the friendship between the two countries.
In his message, President Ruto extended his thoughts and prayers to the people of Iran, invoking divine comfort during this period of immense grief.
“As we condole with the people of Iran, we commend Allah’s mercy and comfort to the people of Iran,” he expressed.
President Raisi Visits Kenya
In July 2023, the late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi made a historic state visit to Kenya, which was the first visit by an Iranian head of state to Africa in over ten years.
On July 12, 2023, President Raisi landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where he was received by Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua.
Following his arrival, he proceeded to the State House, where President William Ruto hosted him with a formal State reception, including a Guard of Honour and a 21-gun salute.
Also Read: Iran President Involved in a Helicopter Accident
During this visit, the two leaders signed multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements covering various sectors such as agriculture, livestock, culture and heritage, information and communication technology (ICT), fisheries, housing, and urban and metropolitan development.
Tragically, President Raisi was confirmed dead on Sunday, Maay 19 following a helicopter crash.
He was enroute to Tabriz, a city in north-west Iran, after attending a dam opening ceremony near the Azerbaijan border.
The crash also claimed the life of Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and several others.
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