President Sergio Mattarella of the Republic of Italy sent a congratulatory letter to President Ilham Əliyev of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The EPA reports that the letter says:

"Mr. President!

In connection with your national holiday, Independence Day, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to you and your friend Azerbaijan on behalf of the Republic of Italy and on my own behalf.

As we have confirmed during our numerous meetings at a sensitive time characterized by the Russian-Ukrainian war, it is a special source of satisfaction for me to note the continued strengthening of strong ties that unite Baku and Rome.

Based on the true friendship that unites our peoples, I am confident that we will continue to be able to take advantage of all opportunities to deepen our multi-dimensional strategic partnership in all areas of mutual interest.

In this context, Italy will continue its strong support for further development of relations between Azerbaijan and the European Union.

Mr. President, in the spirit of genuine friendship, I convey to you my personal well-being and my desires for a prosperous future for the friendly Azerbaijani people."