Dear Mr. Michel,

I sincerely congratulate you on your reelection as President of the European Council.

The relations between Azerbaijan and the European Union are developing successfully. I recall with pleasure the discussions we held during your visit to Azerbaijan last year and the meeting we held in Brussels.

I highly appreciate your personal contribution to the process of normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, ensuring lasting peace and stability in the South Caucasus region and the establishment of transportation and communication links.

We commend the European Union’s intention to support humanitarian projects aimed at demining our liberated territories.

There is an active dialogue between Azerbaijan and the European Union in energy, security, transportation and other areas.

Cooperation between Azerbaijan and the European Union, particularly in the energy field, is strategic by nature, and the Eighth meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council held in Baku this February ushered new opportunities for our future joint activities in the energy sector.

I hope that the negotiations on a new agreement between Azerbaijan and the European Union will be concluded soon, and our cooperation enters a qualitatively new phase with the signing of this crucial document.

I am confident that we will continue to make joint efforts further to expand the relations between Azerbaijan and the European Union and comprehensively develop our cooperation.

I wish you robust health, happiness and success in your responsible endeavors.

Sincerely,

Ilham Aliyev

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Baku, 26 March 2022