Putin congratulates Aliyev on birthday, reaffirms strategic alliance

MOSCOW/BAKU (Reuters) – Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a congratulatory telegram to Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev on his birthday Wednesday, expressing confidence that bilateral ties will continue to strengthen as a strategic partnership.

"Under your leadership, Azerbaijan has achieved widely recognized success in social and economic fields and is consistently strengthening its position on the international stage," the Kremlin quoted Putin as saying.

The Russian leader emphasized that relations are built on "traditions of friendship and mutual respect," adding that further cooperation in the spirit of alliance serves the fundamental interests of both nations.

Putin concluded the message with wishes for Aliyev’s health and well-being, specifically asking to convey "warm regards" to the Azerbaijani President's family.