Iran congratulates Petro on victory in Colombia presidential election

In a message posted on his Twitter account on Wednesday, the Iranian foreign minister praised the people of Colombia for participating in a free and democratic presidential election.

Petro, a former guerilla who has promised profound social and economic change, emerged victorious in Sunday’s presidential runoff election to become Colombia’s first left-wing president.

The former guerrilla won by a slim margin with over 50% of the votes, against 77-year-old entrepreneur Rodolfo Hernandez. In this historic win, his running mate Francia Marquez will now become the first Afro-Colombian to hold executive powers, CNN wrote.

During his victory speech on Sunday night, Petro said he is open to dialogue with Hernandez. He also called for a Great National agreement to end violence in the country, saying, "What is coming here is real change, real change. That is what we are committing our lives to. We will not betray the electorate that has demanded that Colombia change from today."