To the staff of the Samad Vurgun Azerbaijan State Russian Drama Theatre

I sincerely congratulate you – the staff and all employees of the Samad Vurgun Azerbaijan State Russian Drama Theatre – on the 90th anniversary of this cultural centre and wish each of you strong health, happiness and new successes.

Since your theatre started its activities, it has made an important contribution to the development of the theatre art in our republic. Your actors are playing a great role in staging remarkable samples of the world's dramaturgic heritage in Azerbaijan, which is located at a junction between the East and the West. The works of prominent figures of our national dramaturgy, which you have always masterfully staged, have been highly valued by theatre lovers. Benefiting from the rich traditions of Russian theatre for many years, you have contributed to the strengthening of Azerbaijani-Russian cultural relations.

It is praiseworthy that your theatre has won the sympathy of many generations of spectators with its variegated repertoire.

The bright pages that form the chronicle of your theatre are closely related to the names of talented artists who have worked here for many years and are known outside Azerbaijan. I believe that your staff will remain loyal to its traditions, continue its quest successfully in the future and will play an important role in the development of theatre arts in our country.

With best wishes,
Ilham Aliyev,
President of the Azerbaijan Republic

Baku, 20.12.2010.