It has been forty days since the tragic incident that took the life of Dear President Ebrahim Raisi. This loss plunged Iran into grief and shocked the world. President Raisi, along with his companions, tragically perished in a helicopter crash while returning from a joint project inauguration with Azerbaijan. This article reflects on President Raisi's remarkable character, his impact on Iran, and his efforts to strengthen international relations, with a particular focus on his relationship with Kenya.

President Raisi's Character and Contributions:

President Raisi assumed office during a time of economic and health challenges, with the COVID-19 pandemic looming large. Despite these difficulties, he tirelessly worked to import vaccines and promote domestic vaccine production, effectively combating the virus within a year. His tenure witnessed positive economic growth, increased oil exports, reduced unemployment rates, and membership in key regional and international organizations. However, what endeared President Raisi to the people was his humble demeanor, as he traveled to remote and deprived areas in soiled robes and mud shoes. He attentively listened to the concerns and hardships of the people, embodying the idea of martyrdom in the service of the nation.

A Historical Farewell:

Following the helicopter crash, the question arose of how to bid farewell to the martyred president and his companions. The mournful procession spanned several days, with different cities marking specific dates for mourning. The emotional farewell in Tabriz, Qom, Tehran, and Mashhad witnessed the presence of millions of people, their tears mingling with cries of love and grief for President Raisi. The immense outpouring of support and mourning from both Iranians and leaders worldwide demonstrated the profound impact and popularity of President Raisi.

Legacy and Impact:

President Raisi's commitment to justice, social welfare, and national sovereignty resonated deeply with Iranians. As a Shia cleric, he skillfully balanced religious values with the challenges of modern governance, inspiring hope among citizens for a prosperous and self-reliant Iran. His legacy includes a vision of a united and strong nation, driven by principles of fairness, social well-being, and national pride.

International Relations:

President Raisi and his late foreign minister Dr. Amir-Abdollahian actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to enhance Iran's global standing. They emphasized cooperation and regional stability in their interactions with world leaders, notably neighbors and Islamic countries.

Late President Ebrahim Raisi expressed interest in strengthening Iran’s ties with Africa. During the Tehran economic conference, he emphasized the importance of formulating cooperation roadmaps between Iran and African nations, along with removing obstacles hindering their expansion of ties. Additionally, in his visit to Algeria, he highlighted the privileged position Africa and the African Islamic nations, aiming to improve Iran’s relations with African countries.

By prioritizing relations with African countries, particularly with Kenya on the top, President Raisi aimed to expand Iran's influence, foster economic cooperation, and enhance cultural exchanges. The impact of these efforts can be explored in several key areas, including: economic cooperation aimed to boost trade and investment, agricultural development, cultural cooperation aimed to strengthen ties at the grassroots level, educational collaboration by offering scholarships, exchange programs, and joint research initiatives to students and scholars.

Kenya and President Raisi's Vision:

During his presidency, President Raisi held Kenya in high regard and sought to strengthen bilateral relations. In July 2023, he undertook a historic state visit to Kenya, marking the first visit by an Iranian head of state to Africa in over a decade. President Raisi and Kenyan President William Ruto signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements, encompassing various sectors such as agriculture, livestock, culture, information technology, and housing. The visit to Kenya highlighted the positive and cordial relations between the two nations, emphasizing President Raisi's commitment to expanding ties with African countries.

In conclusion, President Ebrahim Raisi's and his late Foreign Minister Martyr Amir-Abdollahian, untimely demise left a void in Iran and saddened the international community. Their extraordinary character, dedication to public service, and emphasis on justice and social welfare endeared them to the Iranian people. Moreover, their endeavors to strengthen international relations, particularly his emphasis on collaboration with Neighbors and Africa and the historic visit to Kenya, showcased his commitment to advancing Iran's interests on the global stage. President Raisi's legacy will undoubtedly endure, reminding us of his vision for a prosperous and self-reliant Iran and his efforts to foster cooperation and goodwill among nations, as well as to establish peace and security in the region including profound support of resistant front, especially in Palestine.