Vladmir Putin called late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi a "true friend of Russia" following his shocking death in a helicopter crash over the weekend.
"Sayyid Ibrahim Raisi was an outstanding politician whose whole life was devoted to serving [his] country," a statement published on the Kremlin's website read, according to The Moscow Times.
"As a true friend of Russia, he made an invaluable personal contribution to the development of good-neighborly relations between our countries, and made great efforts to bring them to the level of strategic partnership," the statement said.
The helicopter carrying Raisi, 63, and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, crashed in heavy fog in the mountains of northwest Iran Sunday, the state-run IRNA news agency reported.
The helicopter was also carrying the governor of Iran's East Azerbaijan province, aides and bodyguards.
Officials had earlier reported no signs of life when the aircraft was located after a lengthy search.
Vice President Mohammad Mokhber, 69, will act as interim president for 50 days before a formal presidential election is held, the Associated Press reported.
