Dear Mr. President,
I congratulate you and the people of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the opening of the 19th International Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition and Conference in Baku.
This past year - the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries - has been a significant one for Azerbaijan as it enhances its engagement in international political, security and economic affairs. The agreement between Azerbaijan and Turkey on gas sales and transit opens a path for Azerbaijani gas to reach European markets and sets the stage for Azerbaijan to play an important role in Europe`s energy security. Azerbaijan also became a member of the UN Security Council, and continues to provide essential support for efforts to build peace and security in Afghanistan.
Looking ahead, we anticipate positive developments as the Shah Deniz gas project moves forward, and as the Azerbaijani Government, along with its partners, selects the route that Shah Deniz gas will take to Europe. We will continue to advance our already strong partnership as Azerbaijan cements its ties with Europe via the Southern Corridor, uses its energy resources to spur the development of a modern diversified economy, and takes on increasingly important responsibilities on the world stage.
I congratulate you and the people of the Azerbaijan on the opening of this important annual exhibition and conference. I look forward to the continued cooperation between the United States and Azerbaijan that will promote our shared goals of achieving energy diversity and security, as well as regional stability.

Sincerely,
Barack Obama
President of the United States of America

***

On behalf of Her Majesty`s Government, I would like to congratulate His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev and the people of Azerbaijan on the occasion of the 19th Caspian Oil & Gas Exhibition and Conference.
Azerbaijan is at the heart of a region whose energy resources will play a vital role in the world economy in the years to come.
Azerbaijan has been playing a central and active part in unlocking those resources for the benefit of all. The landmark Inter Governmental Agreement negotiated late last year, coupled with the announcement of work towards the Trans Anatolian Pipeline for the transport of Shah Deniz gas to Europe, will help make the Southern Gas Corridor a reality. This marks a step change in the diversification of European energy supplies. It is also important to enabling development of the region`s hydrocarbon reserves. We are delighted that BP, the largest single foreign investor in Azerbaijan, has been so closely involved.
There is still much hard work to do on this project, and many others waiting in the wings. I wish all those involved success in their efforts to provide a stable source of energy for the future. I wish all participants in this year`s Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition a successful week.

David Cameron
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland