Please accept my deep condolences in connection with the enormous tragedy that befell the people of the Islamic Republic of Iran - the plane crash that claimed the life of President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, as well as the lives of a number of other prominent government officials figures of your country.

Sayyid Ebrahim Raisi was an outstanding politician whose entire life was devoted to serving the Motherland. He rightfully enjoyed high respect from his compatriots and significant authority abroad. As a true friend of Russia, he made an invaluable personal contribution to the development of good neighborly relations between our countries and made great efforts to bring them to the level of strategic partnership.

I had the opportunity to meet Sayyid Ibrahim Raisi several times, and I will forever preserve the fondest memory of this wonderful person. Please convey words of sincere sympathy and support to the family and friends of the late president and all those who died in this terrible this terrible catastrophe. I wish them and the entire Iranian people mental fortitude in the face of such a severe irreparable loss.