Dear Mr. President, let me sincerely congratulate you on the occasion of the 20th independence anniversary of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
I am giving a high assessment to the close cooperation between the USA and Azerbaijan since the early days of your independence. The sustained high-level relations between our countries have resulted in tangible progress in the development of the Southern Gas Corridor, improved mechanism to prevent trafficking in illicit goods in the Caspian Sea, joint fight against extremist forces, development of a close regional cooperation and many other areas relevant to the scope of our interests.
I would like to convey to you my best wishes on the occasion of this highly important date in the history of your people.
Sincerely,{nl}

Richard G. Lugar
Member of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee