ISLAMABAD: Adviser to Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz on Sunday said work on the Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India (TAPI) gas project would be launched by the end of 2015.

Mr Aziz was speaking to mediapersons at a conference, “Turkmenistan’s policy of permanent neutrality” organised by the embassy of Turkmenistan and the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies at a local hotel.

He said most of the issues between the members of the TAPI project had been settled.

Also read: Timeline for TAPI gas pipeline set

In reply to a question, he said funding for the project had been arranged and the issue of gas pricing would also be finalised soon.

“The project was delayed because of poor security situation in Afghanistan. Now the government of Afghanistan has ensured the security for the project,” he said.

To another question, he said the recent tension between India and Pakistan would not affect the overall dialogue process between the two countries.

Sartaj Aziz says most of the issues between members of TAPI project have been settled

“We are waiting for an invitation from India, so Pakistan’s foreign secretary can visit New Delhi to start the dialogue process. All water-related issues between the two countries will be resolved in accordance with the Indus Water Treaty. Pakistan has also asked about the details of new dams being constructed by India to see if the treaty was being violated,” he said.

Speaking at the conference, Mr Aziz said Turkmenistan had made an impressive performance in human and socio-economic development. Because of the respect for other people, its culture and traditions which are the basic criteria for neutrality, the country has acquired a new importance in foreign policy and diplomacy. He said regional connectivity can become the most important driver of continuous growth for the countries of South and Central Asia.

“The greater economic cooperation and trade reflects the level of our political relations. Trade facilitation bodies should further play an effective role in removing the trade barriers,” he said.

A delegation from Turkmenistan, consisting of the country’s ambassador-at-large Sapar Berdiniyazov and the rector of the International University for Humanity and Development, Ashgabat, Esen Aydogdyev, also attended the conference.

Published in Dawn March 16th , 2015

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