Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has congratulated Tajik President Emomali Rahmon on his country's Independence Day.
The congratulatory message reads:
"Dear Emomali Sharipovich,
On the occasion of the national holiday of the Republic of Tajikistan – Independence Day – I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you and, through you, to your entire people, on my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, and convey my best wishes.
We are delighted by the successes achieved in the socio-economic sphere in fraternal Tajikistan under your wise leadership, and by the increase in the country's international prestige.
The current high level of relations between Azerbaijan and Tajikistan stems from the deep respect and trust our peoples have for each other. It is gratifying that our interstate relations, originating from this common will, are developing along an upward trajectory and have reached the level of strategic partnership.
The existence of mutual understanding at the highest level creates a favorable ground for the expansion of our relations in various fields. I recall with the most pleasant impressions your participation and our meeting at the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization held in Khankendi in July of this year.
I am confident that by utilizing existing opportunities and through our joint efforts, we will achieve the development of friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Tajikistan and the further deepening of our mutual cooperation.
Dear Emomali Sharipovich, on such a significant day, I wish you robust health, happiness, success in your endeavors, and everlasting peace, prosperity, and well-being to the fraternal people of Tajikistan."