Putin Congratulates Aliyev on Election Victory of His Ruling Party

Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated the Azerbaijani leader on the victory of his ruling party, "Yeni Azerbaijan," in the elections held last Sunday.

"Please accept my sincere congratulations; the results of the extraordinary elections clearly confirmed the high rating that your party has among Azerbaijani citizens," Putin wrote to Aliyev, expressing confidence that the "strategic relations" between Moscow and Baku will further strengthen.

Meanwhile, international observers criticized the voting process, and a special statement was issued by the U.S. Embassy in Baku, calling on Azerbaijani authorities to promptly investigate the violations and implement the recommendations.