Dear Shavkat Miromonovich,

On behalf of the people of Azerbaijan and on my own behalf, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you and through you to all the people of your country on the occasion of the national holiday of the Republic of Uzbekistan - Independence Day.

We are happy for the achievements of brotherly Uzbekistan, which is confidently moving forward on the path of independence, in strengthening statehood, and in socio-economic and cultural spheres.

Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are bound together by ties of traditional friendship and cooperation. I believe that based on mutual confidence and support our bilateral relations will continue to develop and strengthen in accordance with the will of our peoples.

Dear Shavkat Miromonovich, taking this pleasant opportunity I extend my most sincere congratulations to you and to all the Muslim population of your country on the occasion of the blessed Eid-al-Adha. I wish you the best of health, success in your activities, and the friendly people of Uzbekistan peace and prosperity.

Sincerely,

Ilham Aliyev

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Baku, 29 August 2017