Ayatollah Imam Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, met this afternoon with the President of Tunisia and his accompanying delegation. He expressed gratitude for Mr Kais Saied's brotherly and sincere sentiments regarding the recent helicopter crash that killed the President of Iran and his entourage. He said, "The event involving the loss of the President, several officials and their entourage is a heavy blow, but throughout the history of the Islamic Republic, we have always seen that based on divine wisdom and with patience and perseverance of the people, bitter incidents have become sources of progress and movement."

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution also expressed his happiness that the visit of the Tunisian President had resulted in a renewal of relations between the two countries. He said, “The presence of a distinguished and academic figure like Mr Kais Saied at the head of Tunisia is an opportunity for the country. After years of authoritarian rule and severed relations with the Islamic world, Tunisia presents a new and positive image of itself.” Referring to the movement a few years ago by the people of Tunisia that paved the way for a significant movement in North Africa, Ayatollah Khamenei said, “The people of Tunisia have a great potential for progress and forward movement, and we hope that with the wisdom of Mr Kais Saied, the necessary unity among the various factions in Tunisia will be achieved, paving the way for further advancement.”

Referring to the anti-Zionist stance of the President of Tunisia, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution said, “Such a position should be promoted in the Arab world because, unfortunately, these issues are not given much attention there. We believe that resistance and perseverance are the only path to success.”

Ayatollah Khamenei also mentioned the great potential for Iran and Tunisia to expand relations, adding, “The government of our late president was a government of action, movement, and communication, and now Dr Mukhbir, with the full authority he possesses, will continue on the same path of developing relations.” He expressed the hope that the current solidarity and harmony between the two countries would translate into practical cooperation.

In the meeting, Mr Saied conveyed heartfelt condolences from the government and people of Tunisia on the recent tragic incident. He said, "Our last meeting with the late President of Iran was a few days ago in Algeria, where we agreed that I would come to Tehran, but I never imagined coming to Tehran to express condolences for his passing."

The President of Tunisia expressed hope for the practical realisation of agreements and the expansion of cooperation in all areas, pointing to the common will of the two countries to enhance relations. Mr. Kais Saied also referred to the regional situation and the massacre of the people of Gaza by the Zionist regime. He said, “The Islamic world must move beyond its current state of inaction and, with unity, strive to assert the rights of the Palestinian people across all Palestinian territories and establish an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.” He emphasised that today, the global human community has outpaced the international community, and people worldwide are standing together against the oppression and atrocities in Gaza.