Dear fellow-countrymen!

I extend my sincere congratulations to you and our compatriots in foreign countries on the occasion of the Holly Ramadan, sacred holiday of the world Moslems, and express to you my best wishes.

The blessed month of Ramadan when the divine revelations - the sacred Koran has been sent down, calls people on the way of the peace, tranquility and equality, shows celebration of spiritual-moral cleanliness and noble deeds.

Our people have always been devoted to national-spiritual and Islamic values, and Azerbaijan became one of the historical and cultural centers of Islamic civilization. Not casually, in 2009 the city of Baku has been declared as capital of Islamic culture. In our country, which is an integral part of the Muslim world, national-religious traditions including the holiday of Ramadan, are marked with special celebration. Our citizens adequately perform their debt of conscience before Allah and religion, and having observed with honor the tests of fasting, shares their pride and pleasure, wish peace and well-being to our state and the nation. Everywhere in our country, they faithfully honor the bright memory of our shehids, who fell for freedom and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. On these days of blessed Ramadan I am in solidarity with all your noble thoughts, I wish that the Creator has accepted your prayers.

Dear sisters and brothers!

As in the previous years, this year also we with the sense of immense pride and sincere pleasure see off the blessed month of Ramadan which even more strengthens feelings of friendship, brotherhood and solidarity in our society, and inspires with divine revelations the heart and minds of people. In these bright holidays I once again warmly congratulate each of you, I wish your families prosperity, and your houses - abundance and prosperity.

May Allah  accept your fasting!

Ilham Aliyev,

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

City of Baku, September 18, 2009