AZERBAIJAN: REQUEST FOR POTUS LETTER, HIGH-LEVEL

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BAKU 000274 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/06/2019 TAGS: AJ ENRG OVIP PGOV PREL SUBJECT: AZERBAIJAN: REQUEST FOR POTUS LETTER, HIGH-LEVEL ENGAGEMENT Classified By: Ambassador Anne E. Derse, reasons 1.4 (b,d) ¶1. (C) SUMMARY AND ACTION REQUEST: Embassy Baku strongly recommends that the USG participate in the June 2-5 Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition and Conference (COGS) COGS at the most senior level possible, in order to demonstrate continuing USG resolve in support of the Southern Corridor project and of European energy diversification. Embassy also requests that the Department facilitate approval of a Para 4. letter from President Obama to President Aliyev for the June 2-5 Caspian Oil and Gas Show in Baku. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (U) On June 2-5, Baku will host the 16th annual Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition and Conference (COGS). This event is the region's premier one of its type, and will host a wide variety of high-level regional energy officials and senior executives from international energy companies. President Aliyev will be giving the keynote address opening the Exhibition and Conference on June 2. ¶3. (C) Embassy Baku strongly recommends that the USG participate in COGS at the most senior level possible . Recent regional events, to include Russian aggression in Georgia, highlight the importance of continued strong support for the Southern Corridor for delivering Caspian gas to European markets via non-Russian routes. Senior level participation at COGS will be an important opportunity for the new US administration to signal high level interest in and outline USG policy in support of energy diversification. The GOAJ views the level of USG engagement in COGS as an important barometer of USG interest in and involvement with Eurasian energy issues, and of USG support for Azerbaijan's consistent strong backing of diversification of sources of energy supply and transport and of the Southern Energy Corridor. Last year's USG delegation was headed by our (then) Special Presidential Envoy for Eurasian Energy Diplomacy, Ambassador C. Boyden Gray. ¶4. Embassy also requests that the Department facilitate approval of a letter from President Obama to President Aliyev for the June 2-5 Caspian Oil and Gas Show in Baku. The letter will be read aloud by the head of the U.S. delegation at the opening of the show. Proposed text follows. (begin proposed text) Dear Mr. President: I would like to 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. The vision and drive of Azerbaijan's late President Heydar Aliyev helped give birth to the East-West Energy Corridor, embodied in the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline and South Caucasus gas pipeline. These projects, spanning hundreds of miles, three countries and over fifteen international energy companies, epitomized what can be achieved with vision, dedication, and cooperation. Azerbaijan has now launched the next phase of its energy development. In this last year Azerbaijan has continued developing its hydrocarbon sector in cooperation with major international energy companies, in a process that will both increase regional prosperity and cooperation as well as increasing global energy security. This last year has also seen the initial shipments of Tengiz oil from Kazakhstan transiting Azerbaijan on its way to global markets. In its drive to develop its energy sector both for the good of its own people and for greater regional energy security, Azerbaijan will continue to find a strong partner in the United States. We will work with Azerbaijan to help prepare for increasing volumes of oil transit through Azerbaijan, as countries in the region work together to ensure the creation of an efficient and commercially viable overland oil transportation route using ship, rail and pipeline. As Azerbaijan continues to develop its gas reserves, we will work together to ensure that Azerbaijani gas and other Caspian and Central Asian gas can reach both regional and European markets. The United States looks forward to continuing to working closely with Azerbaijan on strategic energy projects. In this regard, please accept my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for the success of the Sixteenth International Caspian BAKU 00000274 002 OF 002 Oil and Gas Exhibition and Conference. Sincerely, Barack H. Obama (end proposed text) DERSE