Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev congratulated the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev, AzerTAj state news agency reported.
"I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you and the whole people of Russia as your country was chosen to host the 2018 football World Cup finals.
I`m pleased that Russia has again become the center of attraction for the world and sport community. Russia`s claiming victory in such a tough contest is a proof of its successful integration into the world community and recognition of incontestable achievements of the Russian sport.
I`m confident the 2018 World Cup finals will become a truly unforgettable sporting holiday for all lovers of this most popular sport, for millions of fans," the letter said.
Ilham Aliyev wished Dmitry Medvedev, the Organizational Committee of the World Cup and the whole sport community of Russia successes in preparing for and holding the tournament, and the Russian footballers successes and remarkable wins.