President of Finland offers condolences over Azerbaijani aircraft tragedy

President of Finland Alexander Stubb has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and the Azerbaijani people following the tragic crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines aircraft on December 25. The disaster claimed numerous lives, leaving the nation in mourning.

In a letter addressed to President Aliyev, President Stubb conveyed his sorrow over the incident, offering sympathy on behalf of the Finnish people and government, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

“I am deeply saddened by the devastating news of the loss of so many lives in the crash of the aircraft belonging to Azerbaijan Airlines on December 25. I wish to extend my deepest condolences to you and all those affected,” the letter read.

Emphasising solidarity during this difficult time, President Stubb added: “On behalf of the people of Finland and myself, our thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims, as well as with your entire nation.”

The letter concluded with a formal note of respect: “Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurance of my highest consideration.”

The Azerbaijani authorities and the airline are continuing investigations into the cause of the crash, while tributes and condolences pour in from leaders around the world.

To recap, the crash took place on December 25 when an Embraer 190 aircraft operated by Azerbaijan Airlines, en route from Baku to Grozny, tragically crashed near Aktau. The flight had 67 people aboard, including 37 Azerbaijanis, 16 Russians, 6 Kazakhs, and 3 Kyrgyz nationals. Sadly, 38 people lost their lives, while 29 survived.