In a telephone conversation, Mr Putin wished Mr Aliyev all the best and told him that he had signed a decree awarding Mr Aliyev the Order of St Andrew for his great personal contribution to the strengthening of friendship and cooperation between the people of Russia and Azerbaijan. In reply, Mr Aliyev thanked Mr Putin for the wishes expressed and the kind attention shown.
On the same day, Mr Putin sent a message to Mr Aliyev, which said, in part:
“In Russia, you are sincerely respected as an outstanding statesman and political leader.
“Your multi-faceted activities for the good of the Azerbaijani people have won you extensive recognition throughout the world.
“We highly value your contribution to the development and strengthening of true friendship, close neighbourly relations and mutual trust that have for centuries bound and continue to bind our peoples.”
Mr Putin expressed confidence that “Russian-Azerbaijani relations, being one of the major factors of peace, stability and security in the Caucasus, will continue to grow stronger.”