TEHRAN – A prominent member of Russia's State Duma has praised the late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi for strengthening Iran-Russia relations and enabling collaborative solutions to global issues.

Alexander Babakov, a deputy of the State Duma (Russian parliament), emphasized that Raisi's leadership facilitated significant progress not only on regional matters but also on a global scale.

In an interview with Iranian news outlet IRNA, Babakov shared his thoughts after signing the memorial book for the President Raisi and his companions, who tragically died in a helicopter crash on May 19. This signing took place at the Iranian Embassy's ceremonial hall in Moscow. 

Babakov noted, "Raisi's contributions to advancing Iran-Russia relations were highly valuable. His presidency occurred during a very challenging period filled with various events, and he navigated through these times admirably."

Babakov commended Raisi's unwavering commitment to his ideals. "Mr. Raisi's steadfast belief and insistence on moving towards his goals are worthy of great respect and recognition," he said.

Highlighting Raisi's achievements, Babakov pointed to Iran's membership in the BRICS group and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. "This achievement underscores the late president's sense of responsibility towards the Iranian people," he added.

Expressing his condolences, Babakov described Raisi's passing as a significant loss. "While his death is a great loss, we believe that not only will the historical memory and recollections persist, but more importantly, the actions taken by President Raisi will continue to inspire future endeavors."

Prior to this, condolences were offered by various high-ranking Russian officials, including the President, Prime Minister, heads of both parliamentary chambers (the Federation Council and the State Duma), the Secretary of the Security Council, the Foreign Minister, the head of the Duma's International Committee, the Archbishop of the Orthodox Church, the head of the Muslim Religious Affairs Department, media managers, activists, and several other Russian personalities. The head of the Russian State Duma also traveled to Iran to attend the funeral of the martyred president on behalf of Russia.

The helicopter carrying Raisi and his entourage crashed around afternoon on Sunday as it was on its way to Tabriz, the capital of East Azerbaijan, from a location on the border with the Republic of Azerbaijan where the Iranian president had opened a major dam project.

Rescuers found the wreckage of the helicopter early on Monday after hours of extensive search which involved more than 70 teams.

Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian and two senior provincial officials along with crew members and bodyguards also died as a result of the crash.

Vice-President Mohammad Mokhber has been appointed to assume interim duties after the death of the president.

In the wake of the passing of the Iranian President, the country’s constitutional mandate outlined in Article 131 necessitates the swift organization of presidential elections in a timeframe of 50 days. A council comprising representatives from the judiciary, legislative, and the First Vice President is tasked with overseeing this transition. Following the council's deliberations and the subsequent approval by the Guardian Council, plans have been set in motion for early nationwide presidential elections scheduled for June 28, 2024.