This was done as a sign of solidarity with partners from Iran, where a five-day mourning period has begun in connection with the death of the country's President and his companions in a plane crash.
On Tuesday, May 21, flags were lowered on all flagpoles of the Empress Catherine II St. Petersburg Mining University. In addition, a tripod with a portrait of Ibrahim Raisi was set up in the courtyard of the historical building, to which students, graduate students and employees of the higher educational institution carried flowers throughout the day.
Rector Vladimir Litvinenko expressed his condolences to the citizens of Iran, in particular, to the representatives of Shiraz University and other scientific and educational organizations of this country, with which the university cooperates. He emphasized that the desire to preserve sovereignty, which for many decades has been demonstrated by the inhabitants of the Islamic Republic, despite the fierce pressure from the West, "certainly arouses respect". Therefore, the tragedy that resulted in Mr. Raisi's death was echoed throughout the civilized world, including Russia.
"Our countries have a lot in common. For example, traditional family values, as well as a careful attitude to their history and traditions, which underlie the ideology of both states. Plus a colossal resource potential, the presence of which allows us to look confidently into the future and resist external threats. We have a lot to learn from each other, but the most important thing is that our cooperation, and it is obvious to me, allows us to achieve the necessary result faster and more effectively through consolidation of efforts," Vladimir Litvinenko emphasized during the impromptu rally held near the portrait of the President of Iran.
The Rector also noted that the death of Ibrahim Raisi will once again make all sensible people remember what ideals are being fought for today. And what is at stake in the increasingly heated geopolitical confrontation. And also ask a number of questions. For example, what in reality lies behind such worn-out and pleasant to the ear terms as "liberalism" or "democracy"? And how destructive is the impact on all of us of those forces that, under the guise of these and other positive terms, are trying to gain global power by artificially restraining all those who prioritize sovereign development?
"Taking this opportunity, I would like to separately address the students who responded to this tragedy and came here to lay flowers at the portrait of the deceased President of Iran. You are the future of Russia, and not only your personal place under the sun, but also the fate of our entire state depends on how you study today. Be diligent, set ambitious goals and achieve them, remember that a strong, self-sufficient family is the basis of society, its core. And, of course, cherish the traditions of good neighborly relations with our foreign partners, do not forget about those who gave their lives for our countries to keep the possibility of sustainable development", - summarized the rector, after which he proposed to honor the memory of the victims with a minute of silence.
Hamed Jafarpour, coordinator of the Mining University in the field of joint scientific and educational programs with Iran, expressed gratitude to all Russians "for the words of support expressed in such a difficult hour for the Islamic Republic". He also said that throughout his political career, Ibrahim Raisi has worked primarily for Iran's economic growth. In addition, he was a "true friend of Russia" and advocated for increased cooperation with our country.
"Despite the fact that the death of our President has indeed become a real tragedy for the entire Iranian society, we have no doubt: our state ideology will not undergo changes. Moreover, this catastrophe will become a consolidating factor, will unite us more strongly, which will allow us to face the future even more confidently," Hamed Jafarpour said.
Flowers were laid at the portrait of the fallen President by representatives of various nationalities. Russians, Iraqis, Syrians, Afghans, Turks, Azerbaijanis and, of course, compatriots of Ibrahim Raisi.
"This is a great tragedy for all of us, including those Iranians who live - studying or working - outside the country. It is gratifying to realize that in such a sad hour we are not alone, that in one row with us stand friends from other countries, who perceive our misfortune as their own," said Hadi Daverdust, a graduate student of the Department of System Analysis and Management at the Mining University.
A helicopter with Ibrahim Raisi, Iranian Foreign Minister Hosein Amir-Abdollahian and their companions on board crashed in East Azerbaijan Province on May 19. Their bodies were found the next day in the morning. The funeral of the President of the Islamic Republic will be held at the Imam Reza Mausoleum in Mashhad. It is a pilgrimage center and one of the main holy cities of Shiite Muslims.