Azernews.Az

By Sabina Idayatova

The leaders of numerous countries congratulated Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on Republic Day, May 28, as Azerbaijanis around the world mark this year's anniversary of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, the first democratic republic established in the Muslim world 95 years ago.

US Secretary of State John Kerry said in his congratulatory letter that he was delighted to congratulate the people of Azerbaijan on Republic Day.

"The United States and Azerbaijan have built a vibrant partnership, and we are committed to help buttress Azerbaijan`s independence, strengthening its democratic institutions and promoting economic reforms," Kerry wrote. "On security matters, we are especially grateful for Azerbaijan`s commitment to the future of Afghanistan as our troops stand side by side on behalf of peace and security. In addition, many years of bilateral energy cooperation will reach another milestone next month when the ultimate terminus of the Southern Corridor becomes known. As you celebrate this special day, we look forward to working with you to build a more peaceful and prosperous world."

President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping also extended his congratulations.

"On the occasion of the national holiday of Azerbaijan, the Republic Day, on behalf of the Chinese government, people and myself, I extend to you and through you to the people and government of Azerbaijan my cordial greetings and best wishes," Xi Jinping said in his message.

He welcomed the stable political and social environment, a dynamically growing economy and consistently rising standards of living in Azerbaijan, voicing confidence that Azerbaijan will make new achievements in its development.

Xi Jinping wrote further, "In the 21 years of diplomatic relations between our countries, Sino-Azerbaijani friendly relations have been dynamically developing, while the cooperation in all fields is producing good results. The Chinese side is willing to work together with Azerbaijan to further strengthen the traditional friendship, deepen our business cooperation and steadily move Sino-Azerbaijani relations forward based on the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit for the good of both our countries and peoples."

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, congratulating the Azerbaijani government and people on the occasion of the national holiday, pointed out the excellent history of relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Azerbaijan.

Ahmadinejad expressed confidence "in a further expansion and strengthening of these relations in the future in the mutual interests of our peoples and in the establishment of sustainable peace and security in the world".

"I pray to the Almighty to grant Your Excellency good health and success, and progress and happiness to the friendly state and people of the Republic of Azerbaijan," Ahmadinejad said in his message.

A congratulatory letter from Indian President Pranab Mukherjee says friendly relations between the people of India and Azerbaijan are based on close historical and cultural ties.

"I am confident that our multifaceted bilateral relations will continue to grow to the mutual benefit of the people of both countries. India looks forward to further intensifying its engagement with Azerbaijan," President Mukherjee wrote.

Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev's message over Republic Day says Kazakhstan is well aware of the successes of major social and economic transformation ongoing in Azerbaijan under President Aliyev's leadership and its balanced foreign policy.

"I appreciate your personal contribution to the strengthening of friendship and cooperation between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. I am confident that our strategic partnership based on mutual trust and support will continue to flourish for the benefit of the two peoples. On this occasion, dear Ilham Heydar oglu, I wish you good health and success in your public activities, and the brotherly people of Azerbaijan well-being and prosperity," President Nazarbayev wrote.

Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev said in his letter that due to the successful implementation of its own goal-oriented strategy, Azerbaijan is demonstrating significant progress in terms of socio-economic development and consistently strengthening its credibility in the international arena.

"I highly appreciate your personal contribution to the development of the Kyrgyz-Azerbaijani cooperation, the potential of which has great prospects," President Atambayev wrote in the letter to his Azerbaijani counterpart.

"I am confident that further expansion and strengthening of economic ties will contribute to the mutually beneficial partnership between the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of Azerbaijan," the letter said.

Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon also congratulated President Aliyev and the people of Azerbaijan on the national holiday, expressing deep satisfaction with the dynamics of the development of mutually beneficial Tajik-Azerbaijani relations in all areas of cooperation.

"I am convinced that the traditional friendly bilateral relations will continue to develop and deepen in the name and for the benefit of our peoples. Tajikistan, for its part, intends to do everything necessary to strengthen and expand cooperation between our two countries," President Rahmon said.

Croatian President Ivo Josipovic in his letter wished prosperity to Azerbaijan and its citizens. Josipovic voiced confidence that the friendship and partnership between the two countries will be further developed.

"Our recent cordial meeting has contributed a lot to the achievement of this goal. Your Excellency, please accept the assurances of my highest consideration," President Josipovic wrote.

Pope Francis, extending his sincere congratulations, wrote, "I pray to the Almighty to grant each of His servants the happiness of living in a happy and harmonious family. Your Excellency, I wish great blessings from God to you, the political leadership and the people of your country."

A letter from the King of the Belgians Albert II says he extends to President Aliyev and the people of Azerbaijan his sincere congratulations, wishing well-being and prosperity.

Ireland President Michael Higgins wrote, "The people of Ireland join with me in conveying to Your Excellency our sincere congratulations and warmest greetings on the occasion of your National Day."

"I also avail of this opportunity to send best wishes for the happiness and prosperity of the people of the Republic of Azerbaijan," Higgins said.

Portuguese President Anibal Cavaco Silva says in his letter, "On the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan, I would like to convey to your Excellency my congratulations and sincere wishes for your personal well-being and for the progress and prosperity of the Azerbaijani people."

A letter of the King of Sweden Carl Gustaf says, "On the occasion of the national Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan, I wish to convey to Your Excellency my sincere congratulations and my best wishes for your health and happiness and for the prosperity of the people of Azerbaijan."

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto in his congratulation letter expressed the interest of his government to tighten the cooperation and understanding ties in order to strengthen the relations between the two nations for the benefit of peace and progress.

President of the Councils of State and of Ministers of the Republic of Cuba, Raul Castro Ruz, wrote in his message, "I extend to you our congratulations on the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan. I renew to you the assurances of my highest consideration."

Philippines President Benigno Aquino III writes in his letter, "Let me take this opportunity to renew to Your Excellency the Philippines' commitment to strengthen our countries` bilateral relations. During this auspicious occasion, I wish to express confidence that the Philippines and Azerbaijan will expand the ties of friendship through intensified cooperation in the political, economic and cultural areas, and people-to-people interactions. I wish Your Excellency good health and success as you lead the people of Azerbaijan to greater peace, progress and prosperity."

Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, in his message expressed appreciation of the support extended by Azerbaijan to the organization in the fulfillment of its objectives.

"I pray to Almighty Allah for the continued progress and prosperity of the brotherly people of Azerbaijan under Your Excellency`s skillful leadership and for your good health and happiness," Ihsanoglu's message said.