Baku: President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has addressed a congratulatory letter to Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, APA reports. The letter was sent in honor of Azerbaijan's national holiday, Independence Day.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, President Mirziyoyev expressed his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to President Aliyev and the people of Azerbaijan. He commended Azerbaijan for the significant transformations and large-scale reforms being successfully implemented under President Aliyev's leadership, noting the improvement in the welfare and living standards of the Azerbaijani people and the ongoing construction and development projects throughout the country.

Mirziyoyev also highlighted Azerbaijan's growing international stature, exemplified by the recent organization of the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum in Baku. This event was noted as a testament to Azerbaijan's increasing authority on the global stage.

The Uzbek leader expressed satisfaction with the rapid development of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan in various sectors, including political, trade-economic, cultural, and humanitarian areas. He emphasized the strengthening of strategic partnership and alliance between the two nations in recent years, attributing this to their joint efforts.

President Mirziyoyev concluded his letter by wishing President Aliyev a long life, robust health, and continued success in his state activities, while also wishing the people of Azerbaijan prosperity and progress.