Azerbaijan, Baku, June 28 / Trend A. Badalova/
Azerbaijan's energy resources will increasingly play a vital role in the European and world economy in the years to come, UK Prime Minister's Trade Envoy for Azerbaijan Prof. Charles Hendry believes, the report of the British Embassy in Baku said.
"Azerbaijan's energy resources will increasingly play a vital role in the European and world economy in the years to come and Azerbaijan has been playing a central role in unlocking those resources for the benefit of all," Hendry said in a statement, adding that this is all the more important at a time of continued economic challenge.
Hendry stressed that UK welcomes the today's announcement by the Consortium of Azerbaijani Shah Deniz field development on their selection of a pipeline route into Europe.
The Shah Deniz Consortium on Friday officially announced the selection of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) as the route to transport its gas to Europe.
"It is an important step in delivering EU energy security, offering both diversification of gas supply and route," Hendry said.
"This announcement should be seen as a successful demonstration of the EU's policy of seeking energy diversification and should be welcomed and supported by all Member States. The UK will continue to support this aim and the Southern Corridor project," Hendry stressed.
According to him, while this announcement marks a key stage in the realisation of the Southern Corridor, there is still some way to go.
"This is an extremely complicated project, involving multiple countries and companies. The UK stands ready to support the continued progress of the Southern Corridor and the Shah Deniz 2 development and we look forward to the Shah Deniz Consortium's announcing their Final Investment Decision later this year.