The letter says: “My thoughts are with you all as you commemorate the 30th anniversary of the tragedy that occurred in Khojaly in 1992.

The loss of life is always a cause for sorrow, but the loss of innocent civilians is a horror that cries out to the hearts of all decent people. To commemorate this important moment in the Azerbaijani story is to do more than remember: it is a commitment to ensure that such acts of violence are never again repeated.

Here in NSW we are proud to be multicultural. We are proud to be the home of over a thousand Azerbaijanis, and welcome around 500 Azerbaijani visitors to our shores the year before the pandemic.

As you commemorate this tragic event, know that we do so at your side.”