In his address to the nation made in memory of people killed in clashes that erupted along the Kyrgyz-Tajik border in April 2021, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov noted on April 28 that there is progress in negotiations on delineation of Kyrgyzstan’s common border with Tajikistan.
“However, issues related to disputed segments of the border still remain problematic. The resolution of these issues requires accuracy, tolerance and consistency” Japarov said in an address posted on Kyrgyz president’s official website.
“World events have shown that the issue of borders with neighboring countries must be addressed only through peaceful dialogue and mutual respect. The president of the neighboring also noted during his visit to the Sughd province that he is interested in resolving border issues with the Kyrgyz side only through peaceful negotiations,” Kyrgyz leader noted.
The president of Kyrgyzstan assured that in resolving issues of the state border, he is guided by national interests of the Kyrgyz people, while respecting the interests of neighboring Tajikistan.
“We respect interests and integrity of the neighboring country. My political will is enough for this. At the same time, we will not succumb to provocative actions and we will prevent possible negative phenomena along the border, showing restraint we will strengthen national security,” he said.
Japarov recalled that last year, for the first time, modern military equipment was purchased with funds from the state budget and it was sent to equip the border troops of Kyrgyzstan.
“The work in this direction will continue,” Japarov added.
He also noted that 140 new houses had been built in Batken region to replace those that burned down. Besides, there were built new houses for families of 38 people killed in those clashes.
In April 2021, clashes involving military personnel along the Tajik-Kyrgyz border left dozens of people dead on both sides.
Recall, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon called on residents of the Tajik northern district of Isfara bordering Kyrgyzstan to live and work with their neighbors in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and neighborliness, communicate with them and establish friendly cooperation, be tolerant and not succumb to emotions.
His call, directed at residents of Isfara, came during an address to a meeting of Isfara administrators and public activists that took place in the northern city of Isfara on April 17.
“As the proverb says, neighbors are not chosen,” Emomali Rahmon was cited as saying by its official website.
He further noted that solution of border-territorial issues, delimitation and demarcation of disputed segments of the border are a very complex process and take a lot of time and require many efforts.
“Tajikistan is a firm supporter of negotiations to find a mutually beneficial solution to existing problems, taking into account the national interests of both parties. I emphasize again that border issues between nations can be resolved only through negotiations, there is no other way,” Tajik leader said.
Meanwhile, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov said in an exclusive interview with Kabar news agency on April 25 that the parties have agreed on 600 kilometers [of the mutual border] and they have another 300 kilometers left to delimit and demarcate.
A total length of Tajikistan’s common border with Kyrgyzstan is 970 kilometers.
Border talks between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan began in 2002. The border delineation problem has led to conflicts between rival ethnic communities. To-date, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan have held more than 170 meetings and negotiations on delimitation and demarcation of the common border.
