OREANDA-NEWS. December 25, 2008.  Dmitry Medvedev congratulated Ilham Aliyev on his birthday.

In the telephone conversation the heads of state highly assessed the level of relations between Russia and Azerbaijan, pointing out real prospects for their broadening and development of new forms of interaction in a bilateral and a multilateral format, also towards neutralising the consequences of the global economic crisis.

Mr Medvedev also addressed a message of birthday greetings to Ilham Aliyev. The message reads, in part:

“Azerbaijan's remarkable achievements in the economy, important results of social reforms have earned you the deserved nation-wide support and trust.

Your convincing victory in the recent election of head of state confirmed your reputation of a responsible, competent politician, recognised leader of your people.

You are well known in Russia as a sincere friend of our country. We appreciate your personal contribution to the development of Russian-Azerbaijani strategic partnership resting on durable relations of friendship and good neighbourliness.

I am sure the more effective multi-faceted cooperation between our countries the more stable and safe life in the Caucasus region will be, the higher economic successes we will achieve.”