From Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation

His Excellency Mr Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Dear Ilham Heydar oglu,

Accept my sincere congratulations on the occasion of your public holiday, the Republic Day, which is widely celebrated in this jubilee year in Azerbaijan.

Your country has made great strides in economic, social, scientific, technical, humanitarian and other spheres. The Republic of Azerbaijan enjoys great influence on the international arena.

It is with great pleasure that I note the high-level of Russia-Azerbaijan relations. Our states maintain fruitful cooperation in various areas, actively interact to address important issues on the regional and global agenda.

I am sure that we will continue to strengthen the strategic partnership between Russia and Azerbaijan by any means to ensure prosperity of our countries` friendly nations, international stability and security.

Dear Ilham Heydar oglu, I wish you good health and success, and all your compatriots peace and prosperity.

Sincerely,

Vladimir Putin

President of the Russian Federation