Israeli President Yitzhak Duke sent a congratulatory letter to the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on his birthday, the official website of the head of state reports.
“Dear President Aliyev.
I convey the most sincere congratulations on your birthday and I wish you happiness and health in the coming year.
Taking this opportunity, I want to express my admiration for the traditions and values that Azerbaijan has retained for many years. Azerbaijan is the first democratic republic in the Muslim world, and your majestic country is a regional leader.
The coexistence in Azerbaijan in the harmony and the conditions of mutual respect of citizens belonging to various religions and cultures is especially striking. Your country is a vivid example of joint residence of representatives of all religions in the context of peace and cooperation for the whole planet. The celebration of Novruz, Hanuki, Christmas and New Year is evidence of the commitment of this inclusiveness and understanding.
I also want to express gratitude for the support provided by your Excellency and your government of the Jewish community of Azerbaijan. You are a friend of the state of Israel and the Jewish people, we are looking forward to the opening of the Azerbaijani embassy and your visit to Israel in terms of further strengthening our warm relations.
Your Excellency, especially significant that this year your birthday coincided with the holidays of Hanuki, which is a symbol of light and prosperity. On this occasion, once again I ask you to accept my sincere congratulations and wishes for happiness and health in the coming year, ”the text of the letter says.