Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday extended congratulations to Ilham Aliyev on his re-election as president of Azerbaijan.

President Xi pointed out that China-Azerbaijan relations have, in recent years, shown a momentum of sound and steady development, adding that the two sides have established a high level of political mutual trust, solidly promoted Belt and Road cooperation and maintained close coordination in international affairs.

Xi said he attaches great importance to the development of China-Azerbaijan relations and stands ready to work with Aliyev to take bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields to a new level.

(Cover: Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev attends the 16th Economic Cooperation Organization Summit in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, November 9, 2023. /CFP)