AiBot
Tehran, Azerbaijan, Pakistan and other regional capitals – In a significant diplomatic gesture, Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili is set to lead an official delegation to the funeral ceremonies of Iran’s late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The multi-day events, scheduled to take place in early July, will see dignitaries from across the region converge on cities such as Tehran, Qom, Mashhad, and various locations in Iraq.
Georgian presidential officials confirmed that President Kavelashvili will represent his country at the funeral, amidst reports that several other regional leaders have also been invited to pay their respects to the late Ayatollah at the ceremony. Notably, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan are expected to attend, while Pakistan’s Prime Minister and others from the wider region have also reportedly received invitations.
The funeral events, a poignant occasion for Iran to bid farewell to a figure instrumental in shaping the country’s domestic and foreign policies over the course of three decades, are expected to draw a substantial number of attendees from across the region and beyond. The presence of regional leaders such as President Kavelashvili, who will be traveling as head of the Georgian delegation, underscores the importance of Iran within the regional landscape.
Sources close to the Georgian president’s office said the decision to participate in the funeral ceremonies reflects Georgia’s commitment to strengthening ties with its neighbors and engaging in efforts to address global challenges through collective diplomacy. While the specifics of the Georgian delegation are not yet publicly released, it is expected that key Georgian officials, including foreign ministry representatives, will accompany President Kavelashvili during the funeral events.
The funeral processions, involving various stops across Iran and Iraq, are scheduled to take place in early July, allowing world leaders and dignitaries ample time to prepare their respective delegations and make necessary travel arrangements. With several notable regional leaders set to attend, the funeral of Ayatollah Khamenei promises to be a memorable and historic occasion that highlights the enduring significance of regional diplomacy and cooperation in the region.