John Kerry congratulates Ilham Aliyev on “Shah Deniz -2”

Kerry described this decision made on December 17 as the personification of a new and important stage in the history of Azerbaijan.

"Taking the first step, uniting Azerbaijan to Europe, Azerbaijan is becoming a reliable source of the world's energy and assists in ensuring the energy security of Europe," reads the message from Kerry.

"Southern Gas Corridor" , being beneficial to all partners of the consortium, will strengthen the independence of Azerbaijan" , said the Secretary of State .