From Hassan Rouhani, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran

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

Excellency,

I gratefully received your congratulatory letter on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan.

I also offer my heartfelt congratulations to Your Excellency on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries.

In the past 25 years, the two friendly and fraternal countries, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan, have taken big steps to expand relations to our common benefit and based on mutual respect. I express my confidence that given our peoples` common interests, good neighbourly relations between the two countries will further deepen through our increased efforts to ensure our interests at bilateral, regional and international levels.

I would like to take this opportunity to pray to Allah the Almighty for your robust health and success and for prosperity and well-being of the government and people of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Sincerely,

Hassan Rouhani

President of the Islamic Republic of Iran