Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan sign border treaty

BISHKEK. March 13 (Interfax) - Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon have signed a border treaty, an Interfax correspondent reported on Thursday.

The leaders also signed a joint statement.

Additionally, 16 documents were signed during Rahmon's visit to Kyrgyzstan, including an agreement between the foreign ministries on construction, use and equipment of motorways and use of an intersection, and an agreement between the agriculture ministries on ensuring access to water and energy facilities.

In particular, the sides "discussed joint fight against terrorism, extremism and crime." "Security services of our countries were tasked with intensifying joint work in this area," Rahmon said.

Bishkek and Dushanbe agreed to resume flights between Dushanbe and Bishkek and between Bishkek and Khujand. "Flights to these destinations will resume tomorrow," Rakhmon said.

"Besides, we agreed to sign a trilateral treaty with Uzbekistan on the junction of borders," Rahmon said. The treaty will be signed in Tajikistan's Khujand during Nowruz celebrations, he said.

Another agreement proclaimed Dushanbe and Bishkek as sister cities, the Tajik presidential press service said.

Japarov and Rahmon also took part in a virtual opening of the Kyzyl Bel motor checkpoint and the Kairagach motor checkpoint in the Batken region of Kyrgyzstan bordering Tajikistan.

The Kyrgyz-Tajik border was closed after clashes between Kyrgyz and Tajik law enforcers in 2021.

Earlier, Japarov said that the signing of the border treaty would bolster regional security. "I am sure that the signing of the border treaty will be a fateful and historic event. This step will make a significant contribution to ensuring security not only of both countries but also the region at large," he said.

According to the Kyrgyz National Security Committee, the Kyrgyz-Tajik border is 1,006.84 kilometers long.