UNITED NATIONS, May 30 (Xinhua) -- Senior officials of the United Nations (UN) on Thursday paid tribute to late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, saying he led Iran at a challenging time for the country, the region and globally.
Raisi, together with his entourage, died in a helicopter crash on May 19.
Speaking at a plenary meeting of the UN General Assembly in memory of Raisi, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres extended his condolences to the families of the deceased, and to the government and people of Iran.
"President Raisi led Iran at a challenging time for the country, the region and globally," said Guterres. "In these difficult times, international and regional cooperation is needed more than ever. Such cooperation is critical to building confidence, preventing conflict, and resolving disputes."
The United Nations stands in solidarity with the Iranian people and in the quest for peace, development and fundamental freedoms. For that, the United Nations will be guided by the UN Charter to help realize peace and security, sustainable development and human rights for all, said Guterres.
UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis also paid tribute to Raisi at the plenary meeting.
Raisi held significant roles in Iranian society and government throughout his career, said Francis, adding that as president, Raisi led his country's contribution to shaping the tenets of our multilateral system and international cooperation.
Francis also paid tribute to late Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, who died in the same helicopter crash, praising him as "a consummate diplomat who faithfully stood alongside President Raisi in representing Iran on the global stage." ■
