OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS

His Excellency Mr Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Your Excellency,

Please accept my most sincere congratulations as June 5 of 2017 marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Bulgaria and the Republic of Azerbaijan.

It is with great pleasure that we emphasize the establishment of firm friendly relations between our states and peoples. Very active political dialogue as well as bilateral cooperation between Bulgaria and Azerbaijan in different areas should be highly appreciated.

The Joint Declaration on strategic partnership between the Republic of Bulgaria and the Republic of Azerbaijan, which was signed in 2015, reflects our mutual desire to revitalize bilateral ties. Given broad prospects for developing the mutually beneficial cooperation, Bulgaria attaches special importance to its relationship with Azerbaijan. These prospects open up wonderful opportunities for continuing – at the highest level – our 25-year dialogue this year.

I would like to underline the leading role of energy sector in economic relations between our countries. At the same time, I am confident that there is a serious potential for developing trade and economic ties in the years ahead.

It is profoundly important that our countries take full advantage of their geostrategic positions and opportunities for involvement in the creation of transport and energy corridors between Europe and Asia.

Cooperation in the field of culture is a special positive example of the potential of our relations. In this context, I would like to thank the Azerbaijani side for the Heydar Aliyev Foundation`s providing financial assistance for the project of renovation and conservation of a cultural and historical monument of Trapezitsa fortress in the city of Veliko Tarnovo.

The Republic of Bulgaria welcomes the dynamics of the deepening of dialogue between the European Union and the Republic of Azerbaijan, and is confident that the partnership agreement, discussion of which has recently been launched, will open new horizons for expanding and elevating cooperation between Azerbaijan and the European Union to a qualitatively new level.

I would like to take this pleasant opportunity to extend my best wishes for the development and prosperity of the Republic of Azerbaijan and its people and for the success of your supreme state activity.

Your Excellency,

Please accept the assurances of my highest consideration.

Rumen Radev

President of the Republic of Bulgaria