From Sergio Mattarella, President of the Italian Republic

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

Your Excellency,

As the friendly people of Azerbaijan celebrates its national day, I am pleased to convey my best wishes to you.

I am very pleased to note the fruitful cooperation between Baku and Rome. Having developed at the bilateral level, these relations are of particular importance in the current sensitive international situation marked by the Russian-Ukrainian war and the escalation of tensions in the Middle East.

I am convinced that with these solid foundations, our countries will continue working together to strengthen the strategic partnership and launch new initiatives enriching it in many areas of interest.

I would like to reiterate that Italy would continue to strongly support the further consolidation of relations between Azerbaijan and the European Union, including the intensification of the dialogue on regional stability, connectivity and international security issues.

Mr. President, I look forward to meeting you again at the Quirinale in September.

On behalf of the Italian people and on my own behalf, I extend my sincerest congratulations to you and all your fellow citizens.

Sincerely,

Sergio Mattarella

President of the Italian Republic