Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan sign landmark border deal after 23 years of negotiations Resume air traffic

After nearly 23 years of complex negotiations, the Presidents of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have signed a historic state border agreement, marking a significant step forward in resolving long-standing border disputes between the two Central Asian nations.

The agreement was signed in a formal ceremony at Kyrgyzstan's state residence, "Ýntymak Ordo" ("Center of Unity"), in Bishkek, during the state visit of Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon, Claiber.Az reports via foreign media.

 Following the signing of the agreement, both leaders also issued a joint statement, reinforcing their commitment to deepening bilateral ties.

As part of the discussions, President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan and President Rahmon of Tajikistan also agreed to resume air travel between the two countries, which had been suspended in 2021 due to tensions. Japarov confirmed the restoration of the air link, stating that air travel between Dushanbe and Bishkek would resume on March 14.

In addition to air transport, the two leaders discussed the restoration of bus services, ensuring a comprehensive return to regular communication between the two countries.

Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have experienced a series of border disputes since their independence in 1991, primarily due to historical territorial demarcations and resource access, especially water. The most significant clashes occurred in 2021 and 2022, resulting in numerous casualties and displacement of civilians.

In April 2021, tensions escalated over water distribution and the installation of surveillance cameras near the border, leading to armed clashes. The conflict resulted in at least 55 deaths and displaced over 40,000 civilians. A ceasefire was established on May 1, 2021, and both nations agreed to joint security controls along the disputed border.

On September 14, 2022, significant confrontations erupted, reportedly due to disputes over land and water resources. The clashes led to the deaths of at least 24 individuals and injuries to 87 others. Approximately 137,000 people were evacuated from the conflict zones. A ceasefire was negotiated, but violations occurred, prolonging tensions.

On February 21, 2025, Kamchybek Tashiev of Kyrgyzstan's State Committee for National Security and Saimumin Yatimov of Tajikistan's State Committee for National Security signed an agreement on border delimitation, aiming to resolve the longstanding disputes.

By Khagan Isayev