Your Excellency,

On the occasion of the Independence Day of Azerbaijan, I wish to convey to you and the Government and people of Azerbaijan my warmest wishes, together with those of the Australian Government and people.

I am delighted that the relationship between Australia and Azerbaijan continues to develop. The establishment of your Embassy in Canberra has strengthened bilateral ties, people-to-people links and awareness of commercial opportunities between our two countries.

Australia was pleased to work with Azerbaijan as members of the United Nations Security Council in 2013. During the remainder of our term on the Council in 2014, Australia will remain committed to engaging Azerbaijan on issues of mutual interest, and working together to promote international peace and security.

The visit to Baku by Australia’s Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism, Bill Fisher, in September 2013 highlighted our interest in cooperating with Azerbaijan to address security challenges.

May I express my confidence that the friendly relations between our two countries will continue to prosper in the coming year.

Yours sincerely,

Peter Cosgrove,
Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia