World reacts to the death of Iran's president in crash

"As a true friend of Russia, he made an invaluable personal contribution to the development of good neighbourly relations between our countries and made great efforts to bring them to the level of strategic partnership."

CHINA'S FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON

President Xi Jinping said Raisi made important contributions towards Iran's security and stability, and towards "developing the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Iran".

TURKISH PRESIDENT RECEP TAYYIP ERDOGAN, ON X, FORMERLY KNOWN AS TWITTER:

"As a colleague who personally witnessed his efforts for the peace of the Iranian people and our region during his time in power, I remember Mr. Raisi with respect and gratitude."

PAKISTAN PRIME MINISTER SHEHBAZ SHARIF, ON X:

"The great Iranian nation will overcome this tragedy with customary courage."

INDIAN PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI ON X:

"His contribution to strengthening India-Iran bilateral relationship will always be remembered."

MALAYSIAN PRIME MINISTER ANWAR IBRAHIM, ON FACEBOOK:

"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."

ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER GEORGIA MELONI ON BROADCASTER CHANNEL 5 TELEVISION:

"I do not see any changes in the internal order in Iran, we are in constant contact with our European and G7 allies because we are talking about an incident that is part of a particularly complex regional framework.

"I hope that the future Iranian leadership wants to commit itself to the stabilisation and pacification of the region."

CHARLES MICHEL, PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN COUNCIL, ON X:

"The European Union expresses its sincere condolences for the death of President Raisi and Foreign Minister Abdollahian, as well as other members of their delegation and crew in a helicopter accident. Our thoughts go to the families."

MARYAM RAJAVI, PRESIDENT-ELECT OF THE PARIS-BASED NATIONAL COUNCIL OF RESISTANCE OF IRAN OPPOSITION GROUP, IN A STATEMENT:

"This represents a monumental and irreparable strategic blow to the mullahs' Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the entire regime, notorious for its executions and massacres.

"The curse of mothers and those seeking justice for the executed, along with the damnation of the Iranian people and history, mark the legacy of Ebrahim Raisi, the notorious perpetrator of the 1988 massacre of political prisoners."

SAUDI ARABIA'S KING SALMAN BIN ABDULAZIZ AND CROWN PRINCE MOHAMMED BIN SALMAN

They offered condolences to the acting head of the executive authority, Mohammad Mokhber, on the death of Ibrahim Raisi, president of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and his companions.

SYRIAN PRESIDENT BASHAR AL-ASSAD, IN A STATEMENT:

Assad affirmed Syria's solidarity with the Islamic Republic of Iran and the families of the dead, adding that Raisi's dedication to his work and duties had taken him to East Azerbaijan to inaugurate a vital project for his country, where he was martyred in the line of duty.

IRAQ PRIME MINISTER MOHAMMED SHIA AL-SUDANI, IN A STATEMENT:

"We extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, Ali Khamenei, and to the nation of Iran, its government and people.

"We express our solidarity with the brotherly Iranian people and the officials of the Islamic Republic during this painful tragedy."

LEBANON'S IRAN-BACKED HEZBOLLAH GROUP, IN A STATEMENT:

It praised the struggle of the martyrs in defending the causes of the nation and their service to Iran, calling upon God to bless them with his mercy, to protect Khamenei, and to grant Iran the ability to overcome the ordeal with patience and determination.

HAMAS STATEMENT:

The statement praised Raisi for supporting the Palestinian cause and resistance against Israel and expressed confidence that Iran's "deep-rooted institutions" would enable it to overcome "the repercussions of this great loss."

MOHAMMED ALI AL-HOUTHI, HEAD OF YEMEN'S HOUTHI SUPREME REVOLUTIONARY COMMITTEE, ON X:

"We ask God to grant their families patience and solace. Verily we belong to Allah and to Him we shall return. The Iranian people will remain adhering to the loyal leaders of their people, by God's will."

Australian Associated Press