The Iranian government on Monday announced the investigation into the cause of the helicopter crash that killed Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.
On Monday, Iranian rescue teams found the wreckage of a helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a mountain area of northwest Iran's East Azerbaijan Province. And then Iranian officials announced that President Raisi and the country's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian were all dead in the helicopter crash.
On Monday afternoon, a large number of people gathered in the capital city Tehran, mourning the tragic deaths of Raisi, Amir-Abdollahian, Governor of East Azarbaijan Province Malek Rahmati and Iran's supreme leader's representative to East Azerbaijan Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashem.
Iran's Securities and Exchange Organization (SEO) has halted its activities on Monday and all cultural and entertainment events were suspended in silent homage to the president's death.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei expressed condolences to the families of victims in the helicopter crash and announced that Iran will hold five days of public mourning.
Khamenei on Monday appointed the country's First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber as interim president. The presidential election is set to be held on June 28.
In addition, with the approval of the government cabinet, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Ali Bagheri Kani was appointed as acting foreign minister.
The president's body would be transferred to his birthplace Mashhad, where his funeral will be held on Thursday.
Iran announces investigation into cause of president's helicopter crash
Iran announces investigation into cause of president's helicopter crash
On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.
Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.
In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.
"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.
"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.
He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.
"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.
Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth
