Details added (first version posted at 17:55)
Baku, Azerbaijan, April 16
Trend:
Chinese President Xi Jinping has congratulated President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on his victory in the April 11 election.
"Dear Mr. President, I was very glad to hear about your re-election as the President of Azerbaijan. I am honored to convey to you the most sincere congratulations," reads the congratulatory letter.
"China and Azerbaijan are traditional partners in the field of cooperation. Following the establishment of diplomatic relations, the political trust of both sides is constantly strengthened, pragmatic cooperation in all spheres is deepened, while the relations between the two countries are constantly developing," Xi Jinping said.
The Chinese leader further stressed that he attaches great importance to the development of relations between China and Azerbaijan.
"Together with you, I want to raise the cooperation in all spheres to the next level for the sake of prosperity of our peoples," he said.
"Recently, the Azerbaijani side has applied to become a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as an observer state. The Chinese side attaches great importance to Azerbaijan's application, and together with other countries, that are the SCO members, will consider it on the basis of a common agreement," Xi Jinping said.
"I wish you good health, success in your work, constant big achievements in high state activity. I wish progress to your country and prosperity to your people," reads the congratulatory letter.