UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has sent a congratulatory letter to President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

Axar.az presents the congratulatory text:

"Your Excellency.

I extend my sincere congratulations to all citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the occasion of Independence Day.

This extraordinary moment in history reminds us of the need to work in solidarity as a single human family.

Each country must help address challenges beyond its national borders, including the poverty, inequality and injustice increased by the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenges posed by extreme climate change, and the conflicts that plague our world.

On this significant day, the United Nations believes that all citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan will help overcome challenges, accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, and build a better, fairer, and more peaceful world for all people.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration."