Azernews.Az

By Aynur Jafarova

Ilham Aliyev, who won the October 9 presidential elections with over 84 percent of votes, continues to receive congratulations from senior officials of world countries.

Co-chairs of the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus Bill Shuster and Steve Cohen sent a congratulatory letter to the Azerbaijani President in connection with his election victory.

The congressmen hailed President Aliyev's re-election as another milestone in strengthening Azerbaijan's civil institutions.

"Nationwide elections offer voters a choice and represent an important part of the democratic process," their letter said.

The co-chairs said in the letter that the U.S. and Azerbaijan enjoy a strong partnership based on shared strategic interests.

"Our nations work together to prevent the spread of extremism and promote tolerance and prosperity globally. We appreciate Azerbaijan's vital contribution to the U.S.-led operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kosovo," the letter said.

Touching on Azerbaijan's role in enhancing European energy security, Bill Shuster and Steve Cohen said the two countries' common efforts in this regard "benefit from the recent selection of Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) as the European route for the Southern Gas Corridor".

According to the letter, the U.S. and Azerbaijan share many values, including a vision for greater diversity and tolerance as well as respect for minorities and gender rights.

"We recognize that these fundamental building blocks for any democratic system have deep roots in the Azerbaijani society," the letter says.

Montenegrin President Filip Vujanovic has also sent a congratulatory letter to the Azerbaijani President.

"The results reflect immensity of the contribution to prosperity of the people of Azerbaijan you have given so far," the letter says. "The outcome of the elections proves as well that Azerbaijan under your undisputed leadership has been rapidly developing as a democratic society with a great prestige in the international community."

"I avail myself of the opportunity to reiterate the expressions of gratitude for your fruitful efforts in having our friendly countries embark on a path of affirmation of close cooperation in all areas," Vujanovic wrote, adding that he was looking forward to continuing intensive and friendly communication invigorating the relations between the two countries.

The Azerbaijani President was also congratulated by Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon, Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaitė, Uzbekistan's Islam Karimov, Israel's Shimon Peres, Iran's Hassan Rouhani, Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, as well as Governor of Russia's Astrakhan oblast Alexander Jilkin.