From Martin Kruming, Chairman of San Diego-Baku Friendship Association

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

Dear Mr President.

Congratulations on your re-election as President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. What a wonderful achievement.

For more than a decade, our San-Diego neighborhood has enjoyed a mutually beneficial cultural and educational partnership with the Nasimi District of Baku and the Consulate General of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Los Angeles.

This unique partnership grew out of a visit by educators from Azerbaijan who were part of a US State Department program for emerging leaders. One of the young leaders stayed in our neighborhood and we had such enormous respect and admiration for him as a person that we wanted to continue our leadership with your country.

More than 10 years later, the partnership is as strong as ever and we can look proudly at all the projects we have collaborated on, including concerts, ballets, lectures, visits and so much more.

Friendship builds trust which leads to mutual respect and understanding. We feel very fortunate to have such a special relationship with your country despite the fact that we are thousands of miles apart. It is an example of bridge building at its very best.

We wish you excellent health and happiness, and a very successful term. Again, congratulations from san Diego, California.

Best regards,

Martin Kruming

Chairman San Diego-Baku Friendship Association