The following reads the full text of the letter:

“His Excellency

Timipre Sylva

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources

Office of the Minister of Petroleum Resources

Abuja, Nigeria

Excellency, 

To Him we belong, and to Him we shall return.

I received the very sad news of the passing away of His Excellency Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo, our Distinguished OPEC Secretary General. On behalf of the Government and people of Islamic Republic of Iran, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to Your Excellency, Esteemed Government and Great People of Nigeria.

Undoubtedly, His Excellency’s round-the-clock efforts as the OPEC Secretary General to establish solidarity and unity among Member Countries, along with his trust in collective wisdom and efforts made for creating understanding have always helped the Organization and its Members.

The outcomes of His Excellency’s timely and tangible measures taken over the past six years have helped our Organization, and the world economy to promote stability. These achievements, which are the result of his valuable services as the OPEC Secretary General, will be remembered in the history of the OPEC and the world oil market.

May Allah, the Almighty rest his soul in peace and grant strength and patience to his family, Your Excellency and the honorable people of Nigeria to bear this irreparable loss.

Please accept, Mr. Minister, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Javad Owji”