From Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation

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

Dear Ilham Heydar oglu,

Please accept my sincere congratulations on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between our countries.

Over the past decades, great strides have been made for the development of relations between Russia and Azerbaijan, which are based on traditions of friendship and mutual respect. The constructive political dialogue and fruitful cooperation in trade, economic, scientific and technical, humanitarian and other spheres are expanding. Based on the trilateral agreements concluded last year and a year before, we are working jointly to strengthen stability and security in the South Caucasus region.

This year is remarkable for an important achievement – the signing of the Declaration on Allied Interaction between Russia and Azerbaijan. I am confident that elevating the bilateral relations to a new, qualitatively higher level meets the fundamental interests of our people.

Dear Ilham Heydar oglu, I sincerely wish you the best of health, and all your fellow countrymen tranquility and prosperity.

Sincerely,

Vladimir Putin

President of the Russian Federation