Finnish President Alexander Stubb has expressed condolences to President Ilham Aliyev regarding the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) plane near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan.

Axar.az presents the text of the letter:

"Your Excellency,

I am deeply saddened by the devastating news of the loss of so many lives in the crash of the aircraft belong to Azerbaijan Airlines on December 25. I wish to extend my deepest condolences to you and all those affected.

On behalf of the people of Finland and myself, our thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims, as well as with your entire nation.

Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurance of my highest consideration."