27 Jan 2023 11:11

Process of Kyrgyz-Uzbek border delimitation to be finalized on Friday - Japarov

BISHKEK. Jan 27 (Interfax) - Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are finalizing the border delimitation process, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov said after narrow-format talks with his Uzbek counterpart Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Friday.

"We are finalizing the process of the delimitation of the Kyrgyz-Uzbek state border today. It is a truly historic event," Japarov said.

Kyrgyzstan invariably attaches great importance to developing cooperation with Uzbekistan, the president said.

"By closing the border issue, we will create a sound foundation for future generations. It is remarkable that such an event will be formalized by an exchange of ratification instruments. Furthermore, we will sign a declaration on a comprehensive partnership between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan," Japarov said.

"For us, Uzbekistan is a neighbor which is a kindred spirit, a loyal friend and a reliable strategic partner. Bilateral relations between our countries are at a high strategic level. There are no political disagreements between our countries. Rather, there is our clear understanding that through joint efforts we will be able to further enhance bilateral cooperation in all areas on the basis of friendship, fraternity and good neighborliness," the Kyrgyz president said.

Mirziyoyev is paying a state visit to Kyrgyzstan.

On November 28, 2022, Japarov signed into law a bill that ratifies the country's agreement over the joint border with Uzbekistan and a bill ratifying the Kyrgyz and Uzbek governments' agreement on the joint management of water resources of the Kempir-Abad (Andizhan) reservoir. Under the law, the reservoir's water resources will be managed by a joint Kyrgyz-Uzbek commission.

Uzbekistan has also finalized the ratification of the documents on the border with Kyrgyzstan.