From Dmitry Savelyev, Member of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, head of the Russia-Azerbaijan inter-parliamentary friendship group, and staff of the Russia-Azerbaijan Friendship Center

His Excellency Mr Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Dear Ilham Heydarovich,

Please accept my most sincere congratulations on the occasion of your birthday.

You have won heartfelt love and respect of your people during all the years of your tenure as President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Your far sighted, strategically well thought out policy, outstanding leadership talent, your approaching the most complex issues as a true patriot have rightfully earned you deep respect and big reputation not only in Azerbaijan, but also beyond its borders.

Today, under your wise leadership, we are eye-witnessing large-scale changes and fundamental reforms aimed at overall development of Azerbaijan, and the implementation of the consistent and principled foreign policy which ensures the strengthening of the country's standing on the international scene.

Russia's partnership with Azerbaijan is rising to a qualitatively new level.

Let me express my firm confidence that the relations between Russia and Azerbaijan will continue dynamically developing for the well-being of our peoples.

I wish you robust health, inexhaustible energy and new achievements in your presidential activities for the development of Azerbaijan and the friendly relations between our countries.

Best regards,

Dmitry Savelyev

Member of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, head of the Russia-Azerbaijan inter-parliamentary friendship group, and staff of the Russia-Azerbaijan Friendship Center