Iranian ,Singaporean top diplomats talk bilateral ties, fate of citizen sentnced to death

Iran’s Foreign Minister held a telephone conversation with his Singaporean counterpart Vivian Balakrishnan. They discussed bilateral relations and explored avenues for enhancing cooperation between the two countries.

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, held a telephone conversation with his Singaporean counterpart, Vivian Balakrishnan. They discussed bilateral relations and explored avenues for enhancing cooperation between the two countries. The discussion also addressed the case of Masoud Rahimi, an Iranian citizen sentenced to death in Singapore.

During the call, Minister Araghchi underscored the strong ties between Iran and Singapore and referred to the efforts and consultations initiated by the late Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian during his tenure, as well as ongoing follow-ups by Iran’s embassy regarding the case of Rahimi. Araghchi expressed Iran’s respect for Singapore’s legal framework but appealed to Singaporean authorities to reconsider the execution of Masoud Rahimi, emphasizing humanitarian considerations.

It should be noted that Masoud Rahimi was arrested 15 years ago on charges of drug trafficking and subsequently sentenced to death following legal proceedings.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has made significant efforts within its consular responsibilities to provide assistance to Rahimi and advocate for a commutation in his sentence.

The Singaporean government, citing its domestic laws, considers Rahimi to be a Singaporean citizen.