He expressed these views while talking to media persons on Sunday after inaugurating a day-long international conference on "Turkmenistan's policy of Permanent Neutrality." An important meeting of all the stakeholders of the Tapi project was held recently where most of the issues were settled, he added.
A large number of people from different walks of life attended the conference organized jointly by Turkmenistan Embassy, Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies and Society of Civilisation Pakistan to celebrate 20th anniversary of Turkmenistan's status of Permanent Neutrality.
The Prime Minister's Adviser said that that soon a breakthrough would be reached on the Tapi gas pipeline project, as it is important to meet the regional energy requirements.
On the issue of peace in Afghanistan, he said that no timeline can be given as far as resolution of the conflict is concerned; however, the process is moving forward.
Aziz said that a prominent financial institution has shown willingness to provide the monetary resources for the project, whereas the issue of pricing to be settled at the earliest. He said that the law and order situation was the main hindrance in the launch of the Tapi project but now Afghanistan government has made a strong commitment on the security of the project.
Answering a question, the Advisor said that the recent tensions between Pakistan and India will not affect the over-all dialogue process between the two countries. He said that Pakistan was waiting for invitation from Indian side, so that foreign secretaries' talks could be resumed to move the dialogue process forward.
On water issues with India, Aziz said that mechanisms have already been in place and the Indus Water Treaty is keenly monitoring every power project being constructed by India. He said that water interests would be safeguarded at all costs. He said in case of any dispute, Pakistan could take up the matter to arbitrator or move the international courts.
The Advisor also stressed the need of exploring new areas for promoting people-to-people contacts between Pakistan and Turkmenistan especially through a liberal visa regime.
Ambassador at Large of Turkmenistan Sapar Berdiniyazov in his key-note address on this occasion said many gas pipelines providing gas to many neighbours of Turkmenistan which indicated that it had adopted a policy of "Permanent Neutrality" for the benefit of its neighbours and the region. The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Pakistan Atadjan Movlamov said Pakistan and Turkmenistan are linked in very close and strong bonds of brotherhood.