Photo: Aki.kg
On March 13, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, who was on a state visit to Bishkek, signed a Treaty on the State Border, according to Japarov’s press service.
The Kyrgyz leader emphasized that strengthening friendly and neighborly relations with Tajikistan is a key priority of his country’s foreign policy. He also praised the governmental commissions working on the delimitation and demarcation of the shared border.
Japarov described the signing of the border treaty as a historic milestone.
“This step will make a significant contribution to enhancing security, stability, and sustainable development—not only for our countries but for the entire Central Asian region,” he stated.
Rahmon echoed Japarov’s sentiment, expressing hope that the talks in Bishkek would serve as a foundation for a broader partnership.
“This treaty will provide a solid basis for further strengthening interstate relations. The extensive package of agreements we are signing today will open a new chapter in Tajik-Kyrgyz relations. I am confident that the results of these meetings will elevate our ties to a new level, in line with the fundamental interests of our peoples,” the Tajik president said.
As part of the bilateral dialogue, the two leaders also signed a Joint Statement on Strengthening Friendship and Good-Neighborly Relations, along with several memorandums and agreements on energy, water supply, road construction, agriculture, industry, and green technology development.
On the same day, Japarov and Rahmon virtually inaugurated two border checkpoints:
Kyzyl-Bel (Road)
Kayragach (Road)
Both checkpoints are located in Batken Region and had been closed for nearly four years following armed clashes between the two nations.
The two countries also agreed to restore air travel. According to Rahmon, flights from Dushanbe and Khujand to Bishkek were set to resume on March 14—though the initial flights were technical, carrying journalists and officials. Regular commercial flights will begin on March 23, with Somon Air operating weekly routes every Sunday.
Additionally, cross-border bus services will soon be launched to improve connectivity between border regions.
Japarov and Rahmon also reaffirmed their commitment to signing an agreement on the tripoint where the borders of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan meet. The treaty is expected to be finalized on March 31 at a summit in Khujand attended by the presidents of all three nations.
