President William Ruto has congratulated President Ilham Heydar Oglu Aliyev on his re-election as President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
In a statement Saturday evening, Ruto said Aliyev's resounding victory re-affirms the trust the people of Azerbaijan have in his ability and leadership.
"I write to convey my heartfelt congratulations for your re-election as the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Ruto said the re-election will serve to strengthen diplomatic ties between Kenya and Azerbaijan as they mark the 20th anniversary of their relations.
He said it's satisfying that Kenya and the Republic of Azerbaijan have enjoyed strong, consistent, warm and friendly relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 2004.
Ruto said Aliyev's new term in office presents an excellent opportunity to enhance the existing bilateral ties and extend them to cover new areas of mutual interest on priority basis.
"With this in mind, I take this opportunity to express confidence that under your continued leadership, we will be able to explore effective partnerships across diverse sectors, including trade and investments, energy, climate change and tourism.
"Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest esteem and that of the people of Kenya," he said.
Aliyev is the fourth President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
He is the son and second child of former Azerbaijani president Heydar Aliyev.
Aliyev first became Azerbaijan president on October 31, 2003, shortly before his father's death after a two-month term as prime minister.
He was re-elected for a second term in 2008 and was allowed to run in elections indefinitely in 2013 and 2018 due to the 2009 constitutional referendum, which removed term limits for presidents.
