Ilham Aliyev sent a letter to Sergio Mattarella

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev sent a congratulatory letter to his Italian counterpart Sergio Mattarella.

As reported by AZERTAC, the message reads:

"Dear Mr. President,

On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I am pleased to cordially congratulate you and, through you, your friendly people on the occasion of the notable date — the 80th anniversary of the proclamation of the Italian Republic.

Italy is a close friend and reliable strategic partner of Azerbaijan. I am glad that relations between our two countries are developing in a spirit of mutual respect and trust, and that our multidimensional strategic partnership is expanding and gaining new substance with each passing day. We attach particular importance to the development of relations with Italy in all spheres.

Your second official visit to Azerbaijan in October last year attests to the high level of interstate ties and political dialogue between us. Our joint participation in the opening of the Italian-Azerbaijani University during that visit is an expression of the attention given to the development of cultural and humanitarian ties between our two countries at the highest level.

The high level of political relations plays an important role in advancing Azerbaijani-Italian cooperation. The range of issues on our bilateral agenda today is extremely broad. Our cooperation, which encompasses successful partnership in many areas — from trade and economic, energy, and industrial-manufacturing spheres to the field of education — and incorporates new domains with each passing year, is of a strategic nature. The full realization of the existing potential of economic ties and the diversification of cooperation in investment, defense, humanitarian spheres, including in new areas, are among the main tasks before us.

I am confident that we will continue to successfully pursue joint efforts in the name of strengthening Azerbaijani-Italian friendship and reliable partnership, and comprehensively expanding our cooperation.

On this notable day, I wish you good health, happiness, and success in your endeavors, and to the friendly people of Italy — lasting well-being and prosperity."