To His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Dear Mr. President. I am pleased to extend my sincerest congratulations on the occasion of the national holiday of the Republic of Azerbaijan - Independence Day.Taking this opportunity, I also congratulate you on hosting the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku this November, and I wish you success in the intensive preparatory work.Peace, stability, and prosperity in the South Caucasus are of particular importance to Austria. Furthermore, it is gratifying that in 2023, economic ties between our countries have intensified.I seize this pleasant opportunity to convey my best wishes for your personal well-being, as well as a happy and peaceful future for the Azerbaijani people. Respectfully,   Alexander Van der Bellen, Federal President of the Republic of Austria