The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has lauded Ebrahim Raeisi’s political savvy during a tribute held for the martyred Iranian president and his companions at the world body’s General Assembly.

The assembly held the tribute on Thursday, less than two weeks after the tragedy.

“President Raeisi led Iran at a challenging time for the country, the region, and globally,” Guterres said, addressing the tribute.

“Just hours before his death, President Raeisi met with his Azerbaijani counterpart to inaugurate the Qiz Qalasi dam, the largest joint venture project between the two countries,” he noted.

“In these difficult times, international and regional cooperation are indeed needed more than ever,” the UN chief observed, adding, “And such cooperation is critical to building confidence, preventing conflicts, and resolving disputes.”

Raeisi and his entourage, including Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, ascended to martyrdom after the helicopter carrying them crashed as it was on its way to Tabriz, the capital of Iran’s East Azarbaijan Province.

The tragedy was followed by millions-strong funeral processions across Tabriz as well as the north-central city of Qom and the capital Tehran, where the bodies lied in state.

Guterres extended his condolences to the families of the deceased as well as the Iranian government and nation.

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