From the Governor-General of Australia, Quentin Bryce

Your Excellency,

I am joined by the Government and the people of Australia in conveying to you, your government and people of Azerbaijan my best wishes on the occasion of 28 May – the Republic Day.

Australia and Azerbaijan share many similar approaches to international peace and security. Giving a high assessment to the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries, I look forward to the opening of the Azerbaijani Embassy in Australia this year, as it will certainly contribute to the development of bilateral relations between the two countries.

I wish you a peaceful and successful presidential election in Azerbaijan in October 2013. Prior to this election, in September 2013, Australia will hold its own federal election. The elections in both of our countries will be an important expression of our commitment to democracy.

As a manifestation of international confidence, the Australian Government has been honored to be elected to the UN Security Council for 2013-2014. We believe that the present-day challenges require global solutions, and multilateral organizations such as the UN provide the best means of collective solutions. Australia is committed to cooperation with Azerbaijan in solving the problems faced by the Security Council, and looks forward to working together with your country on issues of mutual interest in the years to come. I highly appreciate the successful chairmanship of Azerbaijan in the Security Council in 2012 and its support for the mission of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.

I am confident that the friendly relations existing between our two countries will develop in the coming years.

Sincerely,

Quentin Bryce

Governor-General of Australia