Crowds of residents attended a farewell ceremony Tuesday held in the city of Tabriz for Iran's late President Ebrahim Raisi who died in a helicopter crash.
Iran's official news agency IRNA confirmed on Monday the deaths of President Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, East Azarbaijan's Governor Malek Rahmati, senior Shia cleric Mohammad-Ali Ale-Hasehem, and others in the helicopter crash on Sunday in Varzaqan County in Iran's East Azarbaijan Province.
A funeral procession took place in Tabriz, a city near where the crash occurred in north-western Iran, carrying the caskets of the late President Raisi and others who died in the air crash.
"The government must continue to follow the path he created. Anyone replacing him must follow what he did. Whatever he did for the Iranian people, the next person must do the same," said Magsood Rahnoo, a taxi driver.
Residents also expressed their deep admiration and great sorrow for the late President, maintaining a firm belief that Raisi's tragic death would not disrupt the development of the country.
"He was, after all, the president of this country. We naturally have intense emotions and feelings toward our president, definitely," said Omran Aghazi, a businessman.
"It will take some time until he is replaced and until the country starts functioning again. But I hope everything will go back to normal. They're always in our hearts, and we will remember them," said Arya, a University student.
The funeral and commemoration ceremonies for Raisi and his entourage were held on Wednesday in Tehran, the capital of Iran.
Tabriz residents attend farewell ceremony for Iran's late president
Tabriz residents attend farewell ceremony for Iran's late president
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
