His Excellency Mr. Sergio Mattarella, President of the Italian Republic

Dear Mr. President,

We were deeply saddened by the news of the heavy casualties and major damage caused by the earthquake in your country.

On behalf of the people of Azerbaijan and on my own behalf, I extend my deep condolences to you, the bereaved families, the loved ones of those who died and the people of Italy, and wish the injured recovery. I hope that the consequences of this natural disaster will be eliminated as soon as possible.

Ilham Aliyev

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Baku, August 24, 2016