LA PAZ, July 7 (Xinhua) — Bolivian President Luis Arce on Sunday congratulated Iranian politician Masoud Pezeshkian on his victory in that country’s snap elections after the death of Ebrahim Raisi in a plane crash.
“From the Plurinational State of Bolivia, we congratulate Masoud Pezeshkian on his victory in the presidential elections in Iran,” Arce wrote on social media.
The Bolivian leader also praised the “democratic commitment of the Iranian people” and expressed his desire to “strengthen bilateral relations for the benefit of both countries.”
Former Bolivian President and leader of the government’s Movement Towards Socialism (MAS) Evo Morales (2006-2019) also spoke, praising Pezeshkian’s victory.
“We wish him the greatest success in carrying out his duties. Likewise, we express our appreciation and respect to the dear Iranian people,” Morales added on the social networking site X.
During the Morales government and now under Arce, Bolivia has maintained a close relationship with Iran due to the ideological affiliations of its authorities.
According to the official results of the presidential race in Iran, announced on Saturday, Pezeshkian received 53.6% of the votes, compared to hardline conservative Saeed Jalili, who received 44.3%.
Pezeshkian, a 69-year-old former health minister and lawmaker, will become the ninth president in the history of the Islamic Republic of Iran and will succeed hardline conservative Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash in May.
During the election campaign, he promised to move closer to the West and ease the compulsory wearing of the Islamic headscarf. Efe
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