MFA Press Statement: Condolence Letter from ESM Goh Chok Tong on the Passing of Chairman of the Expediency Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, 11 January 2017

     Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong has written to President of the Islamic Republic of Iran His Excellency Dr Hassan Rouhani to convey his condolences on the passing of Chairman of the Expediency Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani.

    The text of the letter is appended.

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 MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

11 JANUARY 2017

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11 January 2017

His Excellency Dr Hassan Rouhani

President

Islamic Republic of Iran

Dear Excellency

            I am saddened to learn of the passing of Chairman of the Expediency Council Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani.

           Ayatollah Rafsanjani was a prominent statesman.  During his long stint in public service, including his tenure as President of the Islamic Republic of Iran from 1989 to 1997, Ayatollah Rafsanjani made significant contributions to Iran and the Iranian people.  His commitment to better the lives of Iranians never faltered.  I am honoured to have had the privilege of meeting him on three occasions, on the sidelines of the Non-Aligned Movement Summit in Jakarta in 1992 and when I visited Tehran in 2004 and 2007.  He contributed to our warm bilateral relations.  

            My thoughts are with you and the people of Iran at this time of mourning.

Yours sincerely

GOH CHOK TONG