President of the Unites States of America Donald J. Trump has sent a congratulatory letter to Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Axar.az informs that, "The American people join me in congratulating you and the people of Azerbaijan on the occasion of Republic Day on May 28. On this day in 1918, Azerbaijani independence was declared, and the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was established. The United States of America is pleased to celebrate these achievements with all Azerbaijanis more than 100 years later," President Trump said.

"Our two nations share a strong partnership built on the foundation of a number of shared interests. I appreciate Azerbaijan’s contributions to international security and your leadership in enhancing European energy security through the pioneering Southern Gas Corridor. We welcome all steps toward reforms in Azerbaijan – especially in the area of rule of law – that will benefit the Azerbaijani people and create opportunities to deepen our cooperation. Likewise, we welcome your personal engagement in the OSCE Minsk Group process to find a peaceful and lasting settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict," he said.

"I look forward to building on this partnership in the years ahead. Please accept my congratulations and best wishes once again on this important anniversary," reads the congratulatory letter.