KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has extended has conveyed his deepest condolences to the Iran following the deaths of the Republic's president, foreign minister and other senior officials following a helicopter crash.
"I am deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and several other officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
"My heartfelt condolences go out to the people of Iran during this profoundly difficult time.
"May Allah bless their souls and place them among the Righteous," he said in a statement.
Anwar recalled meeting Raisi on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly last November where he exemplified a deep commitment to his people and country.
"I had the honour of meeting President Raisi on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly last November.
"He exemplified a deep commitment to the welfare of his people and the dignity of his nation, which represents a proud and rich civilisation rooted in the principles of Islam.
"His dedication to justice, peace, and the upliftment of the ummah was truly inspiring."
Anwar also said that during the meeting, they had committed themselves to bolstering Malaysia-Iran relations and working together for the betterment of the people and the Muslim world, pledging it to be fulfilled.
Earlier today, Reuters reported that the Iranian president along with several top government officials died when their helicopter, a Bell 212, crashed as it was crossing mountain terrain in heavy fog.
Officials said that rescue teams fought blizzards and difficult terrain through the night to reach the wreckage in East Azerbaijan province in the early hours of this morning.