PUTRAJAYA: The cabinet has extended its heartfelt condolences to Iran following the death of its President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash.
Unity government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil said the recent meeting between Raisi and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim highlighted the deepening ties between Malaysia and Iran.
"I also had the opportunity to record the meeting between both leaders in Riyadh. This is a tragic loss indeed," he said in his weekly press conference at the Communication Ministry.
It was reported on Sunday that Raisi, along with several top government officials, died when their helicopter, a Bell 212, crashed as it was crossing mountain terrain in heavy fog.
Officials said rescue teams fought blizzards and difficult terrain through the night to reach the wreckage in East Azerbaijan province early morning.
Anwar also conveyed his deepest condolences to Iran following the deaths Raisi, its foreign minister and other senior officials following a helicopter crash.
"I am deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and several other officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
"My heartfelt condolences go out to the people of Iran during this profoundly difficult time.
"May Allah bless their souls and place them among the Righteous," he said in a statement.
Earlier today, it was reported that Iran has begun investigating the helicopter crash.
The Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported that Iranian Armed Forces Chief of Staff Major-General Mohammad Bagheri has assigned a high-ranking delegation to investigate the case.