Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on his 60th birthday, the Kremlin press service reported. The congratulatory message reads as follows, in particular:

"You enjoy a worthy reputation among [your] compatriots and in the international arena as a wise and experienced statesman who can make balanced, long-sighted decisions even in the most difficult situations.

“Under your leadership, Azerbaijan has achieved popular success in the economic, social, and other domains.

“I appreciate our friendship. I will be glad to continue the constructive, meaningful dialogue and close joint work with you—for the benefit of the further development of the Russian-Azerbaijani strategic partnership, as well as the strengthening of regional stability and security."