Mourners commemorate life of late Iranian president at last farewell ceremony

The final farewell ceremony for Iran's late President Ebrahim Raisi was held at 14:00 on Thursday (local time) in his hometown of Mashhad, the country's second largest city, with tens of thousands of people taking to the street to pay their respects.

President Raisi, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Governor of East Azarbaijan Province Malek Rahmati, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's Representative to East Azerbaijan Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashem and Raisi's bodyguard were confirmed dead on Monday after the helicopter they were traveling in crashed in the country's mountainous northwestern province of East Azerbaijan.

Coffins of Raisi and seven others who died in the air crash were transported to the Iranian capital of Tehran on Wednesday.

Crowds of people gathered to bid a final farewell to Raisi and his entourage. Namat, one of those attending the ceremony to mourn the death of Raisi, was overwhelmed with sadness as he spoke through tears of his admiration for the late president.

"Raisi was a kind man who always served the people," said Namat.

"Raisi was one of the presidents who contributed a lot to the prosperity and progress of Iran. All Iranians, especially the people of his hometown -- Mashhad, are deeply saddened by his death," said Iman, one of locals who were attending the farewell ceremony.

During the ceremony, residents mourned the loss of Raisi and accompanied his body along the street, with many holding pictures of the late president.

"Raisi was an extraordinary man who rarely rested or took holidays but worked tirelessly for the people. As a worthy person, his name will be recorded in the history of Iran," said Hamid, another resident attending the ceremony.

Another farewell ceremony was held in Birjand on Thursday, where a large number of local people offered their condolences to the late president through a procession.

The body of Iranian Foreign Minister Abdollahian was laid to rest in Tehran on Thursday.

Prior to that memorial service, Iran had held three farewell ceremonies for Raisi and others on Tuesday morning in Tabriz, the capital of East Azerbaijan province, on Tuesday Afternoon in the city of Qom, Qom province, and on Wednesday in Tehran.

Mourners commemorate life of late Iranian president at last farewell ceremony

Mourners commemorate life of late Iranian president at last farewell ceremony

Mourners commemorate life of late Iranian president at last farewell ceremony

Mourners commemorate life of late Iranian president at last farewell ceremony

Mourners commemorate life of late Iranian president at last farewell ceremony

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