Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Chief Minister of the Punjab province of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, has sent a congratulatory letter to President Ilham Aliyev.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the letter states:
"Your Excellency,
It is with great pleasure that I extend my sincerest congratulations to Your Excellency, your Government, and the brotherly people of Azerbaijan on the occasion of your country's national holiday – May 28 – Independence Day.
This landmark holiday, which commemorates the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic in 1918, a pivotal turning point in history, serves as a proud testament to your people's unwavering commitment to sovereignty, national dignity, and enlightenment.
Paying my respects at the graves of Azerbaijan's irreplaceable National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the heroic martyrs resting in the Alley of Martyrs in Baku reminded me once again of the courage, sacrifice, and firm resolve of the Azerbaijani people. The rich legacy of your late father, Heydar Aliyev, regarding national dignity and statehood is held in high esteem far beyond the borders of Azerbaijan today.
Under Your Excellency's visionary leadership, the Republic of Azerbaijan is developing with great success and confidence, earning the respect and admiration of nations worldwide. I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude for the warm hospitality and kindness shown to me and my delegation during our recent meeting with Your Excellency and our stay in Baku.
We will always remember with respect and affection the feelings of friendship and brotherhood expressed by Your Excellency and the brotherly people of Azerbaijan toward the people of Punjab, which have left an indelible mark on our hearts. The relations between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, its Punjab province, and the Republic of Azerbaijan are rooted in shared values, mutual trust, and unwavering support for one another in both challenging and prosperous times. I sincerely believe that these ties will further strengthen in the coming years, and the bonds of brotherhood between the people of Punjab and the people of Azerbaijan will deepen even further.
Your Excellency, please accept my highest considerations and my wishes for lasting peace, progress, and prosperity for the Republic of Azerbaijan."
