Dear Mr. President,

I have been deeply saddened by the news of the death of former Prime Minister of the State of Israel, prominent statesman and political figure Ariel Sharon.

I share your grief over this heavy loss. On behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan, I express my deepest condolences to you, family, and relatives of Ariel Sharon, and to the people of Israel.

Ilham Aliyev,

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Baku, 12 January 2014