Dear Mr President,

I was deeply saddened by the news of death of Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, former President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, outstanding statesman, public and political figure.

Ali Akbar Rafsanjani, who took an active part in the victory of the Islamic Revolution in Iran made a great contribution to the development of ties of friendship and cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan. His memory will live forever.

On the occasion of this heavy loss, on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan and on my own behalf, I extend my deep condolences to you, the family and relatives of the late Ali Akbar Rafsanjani, and the whole people of Iran.

May Allah rest his soul in peace!

Ilham Aliyev
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Baku, January 9, 2017