Barack Obama: Azerbaijan will find a strong friend and partner in the United States

His Excellency
Ilham Aliyev
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Baku

Dear Mr. President:

I offer my congratulations to you and the people of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the opening of the Sixteenth International Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition and Conference in Baku.

Your country has emerged as an important and reliable supplier of energy to world markets.  Azerbaijan is an example of how developing energy resources with the involvement of international companies can result in rapid progress and access to the best technology.  Your success is exemplified in Azerbaijan's invitation to international investors in the mid-1990s to develop its oil and gas fields, and the realization of the East-West Energy Corridor, including the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline and South Caucasus gas pipeline.  These projects, spanning hundreds of miles over three countries and involving a number of international energy companies, epitomized what can be achieved with dedication and cooperation.  The United States was proud to be a partner of Azerbaijan and all the actors who realized these important projects.

We support your efforts to develop your natural gas fields to help diversify regional supplies, which will benefit your country and your neighbors alike.  We commend you for continuing to develop your hydrocarbon sector in a process that will increase regional prosperity and cooperation as well as global energy security, while also offering an invaluable opportunity to address the needs and aspirations of all Azerbaijani citizens.

In your drive to continue developing your energy resources, Azerbaijan will find a strong friend and partner in the United States.  I look forward to continuing to work closely with Azerbaijan, and I wish you and all participants best wishes for a successful exhibition and conference.

Sincerely,

(Signed Barack Obama)