Azernews.Az

U.S. President Barack Obama has sent a congratulatory letter to his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of the Eid al-Adha holiday.

"I extend my best wishes for a joyous Gurban Bayrami to Muslims around the world and congratulate those who have completed their lifelong goal performing the Hajj. As in years past, thousands of American Muslims are among the three million pilgrims gathering in Mecca this year for prayer and devotion.

"As they celebrate Gurban Bayrami with family and friends, Muslims also distribute food to the needy, highlighting the significant role communities of faith play in serving those less fortunate. Across the globe, Muslim communities have joined members of other faiths in helping those impacted by humanitarian disasters and suffering from hunger, disease, and conflict.

"While serving as a reminder of the common roots of the Abrahamic faiths, Gurban Bayrami and Hajj underscore the shared values of all great religions including the importance of helping those who are in most need of assistance," the letter reads.

Barack Obama on behalf of the American people wished Ilham Aliyev and Azerbaijani people a happy and blessed holiday.