Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday expressed gratitude to Iraq's government, people, and religious authorities for their role in the funeral ceremonies of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, emphasizing the deep-rooted ties between the two neighboring countries.
Araghchi's Statement on X
In a post on X, Araghchi said: 'All gratitude and appreciation to the brotherly Iraq--its government, people, and religious authorities--for the warm hospitality and dignified farewell in escorting our martyred Imam with broad popular participation.' He added, 'The bonds between Iran and Iraq transcend geographical borders and neighborly ties, extending to a deeply rooted history, shared values, and a common destiny.' Araghchi concluded, 'Thank you to the Iraq of generosity and authenticity for this loyalty.'
Pezeshkian Thanks Georgian President
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also thanked Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili for attending the funeral ceremony and conveying condolences on behalf of Georgia's government and people. Pezeshkian stated, 'The presence of His Excellency Mr. Mikheil Kavelashvili at the funeral ceremony of the Supreme Leader of Iran and the condolences he expressed on behalf of the government and people of Georgia will remain in the historical memory of two friendly nations with 3000-year-old relations.'
Pezeshkian expressed hope that Iran-Georgia relations would deepen further based on mutual respect and constructive cooperation, stating, 'I hope that at a new stage, the relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Georgia, based on mutual respect and constructive cooperation and within the framework of a regionally oriented and complementary economic model, will further deepen.' He added that Khamenei had always emphasized strengthening relations with neighboring countries, and recalled his meeting with Georgian Orthodox Church leader Ilia II as a significant moment in bilateral ties.
Funeral Procession in Iraq
Meanwhile, the body of Ayatollah Khamenei arrived in the Iraqi holy city of Karbala, according to Iran's state news agency IRNA. The body arrived in Karbala on Wednesday after a large funeral procession was held in the holy city of Najaf, where millions of mourners gathered to pay tribute. The funeral events continued on Wednesday evening at the holy shrine of Imam Hossein (AS).
Following farewell ceremonies in Tehran and Qom, along with events in Najaf and Karbala, Khamenei's body will be taken to the Iranian holy city of Mashhad, where it will be laid to rest beside the shrine of Imam Reza (AS) on Thursday.
