Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan finalise border delimitation agreement

The heads of government delegations of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan on delimitation and demarcation of the state border, Kamchybek Tashiev and Saimumin Yatimov, have announced the completion of the description of all remaining sections of their shared state border, according to the Kyrgyz Cabinet of Ministers.

The agreement was reached during a meeting held in the city of Batken, Kyrgyzstan, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The delegations have instructed their respective working groups to initiate the process of formalizing the final documents for the delimitation of the Kyrgyz-Tajik border.

Following the discussions, both leaders made a joint statement. Yatimov described the border delimitation process as "practically complete," noting that only legal formalities remain. Tashiev emphasized that the agreement is final, adding that the legal procedures are expected to take several months to conclude.

As of July, 94% of the Kyrgyz-Tajik border had been described, with the remaining 6% located in "complex areas" within the Batken region. The total length of the Kyrgyz-Tajik border is 972 kilometres, and agreements had previously been reached on 664 kilometres during a meeting of the two countries presidents in 2022.

The undefined sections of the border have historically been a source of conflict over water, land, roads, and pastures. These disputes have led to violent clashes, including major incidents in April-May 2021 and September 2022, resulting in dozens of casualties on both sides.

By Khagan Isayev