The Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan finalize a crucial agreement for Central Asia

The Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan finalize a crucial agreement for Central Asia

Derya SOYSAL

A formal ceremony was held for Tajikistan President Rahmon, who visited the Kyrgyz Republic. Following the ceremony, Japarov and Rahmon proceeded to inter-delegation talks.

On Thursday, the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan signed a crucial border agreement for the stability of Central Asia, after three decades of conflicts between these two former Soviet republics, particularly over water control. These allied countries last clashed in the autumn.

"From now on and forever, the border between the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan will be the border of eternal friendship," assured Mr. Japarov during a joint statement.

Japarov expressed that they decided to start mutual flights, saying, "I hope that soon bus services will also start, and our people will be able to meet each other." Flights between the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan, which were stopped about four years ago, have resumed with the Dushanbe-Bishkek flight. Kyrgyzstan Airports Inc. Press Spokesperson Alena Khomenko announced on social media that the plane from Dushanbe belonging to Tajikistan's airline Somon Air successfully landed at Manas International Airport.

Japarov noted that they would support the preservation of the native languages of Tajiks in the Kyrgyz Republic and the activities of civil society organizations.

According to his cabinet, this agreement will contribute to "strengthening the security, stability, and sustainable development of the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan, as well as all of Central Asia."

Mr. Rakhmon himself welcomed this "historic" agreement concluded 33 years after the fall of the Soviet Union. The two leaders also announced the resumption of direct air links and the reopening of the border closed since May 2021.

"From now on and forever, the border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan will be the border of eternal friendship," assured Mr. Japarov during a joint statement.

At the end of February, the Kyrgyz Republic revealed the content of the agreement involving an exchange of territories in these areas dotted with enclaves formed during the Soviet era. According to a count by Kyrgyz authorities, Kyrgyzstan will receive about 25 square kilometers from Tajikistan, in exchange for lands of equivalent area or better access to shared water resources. Additionally, roads have been declared neutral, and border agricultural and energy facilities must be used without hindrance.

The presidents of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan signed 16 documents, including a joint declaration on strengthening friendship and good neighborly relations. One of the main areas of cooperation is energy. They agreed to increase mutual exchanges to $500 million and expressed readiness to accelerate the launch of the CASA-1000 (Central Asia-South Asia-1000) electricity transport and trade project. The CASA-1000 project will unify the energy systems of the two states and create new opportunities for electricity export. Furthermore, special attention was given to industrial cooperation, particularly the creation of joint ventures for the processing of agricultural products and entry into EEE markets.

Many countries, including Turkiye, sent congratulatory messages regarding the agreement. Turkey's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "We welcome the border delimitation agreement signed between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. We hope that this agreement, signed as a result of close dialogue at the highest level between the two countries, will contribute to peace, stability, and cooperation in the region."

The border delimitation agreement between these countries marks an important milestone for ensuring security and stability in Central Asia (Turkestan Region). The completion of the border agreement between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan will eliminate a major threat to instability in Central Asia. It holds the potential to end long-standing disputes on the local level and accelerate the economic and social development of border regions on both sides.

SOURCES

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