Rashid Alimov sent a congratulatory message to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev following his victory in the presidential election.
The message reads, in part:
"Please accept my sincere congratulations on your convincing victory in the presidential election that took place in Azerbaijan on 11 April 2018. The impressive result of the vote shows that your domestic and foreign policies command enormous respect, confidence and wide support from the Azerbaijani people. Under your wise leadership, Azerbaijan is steadily and dynamically modernising all areas of public life and takes a proactive stance on the world arena.
"I would like to take the opportunity and thank you sincerely for your engaging attention to the activities of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. We are confident that cooperation between the SCO and Azerbaijan as a dialogue partner on areas of mutual interest will contribute to further promoting mutually beneficial cooperation for the sake of peace, stability and joint development in Eurasia.
"I am very pleased to wish you every success in carrying out your plans in high office as President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as good health and happiness, and to extend my wishes of prosperity to the Azerbaijani people."