Kyrgyz-Tajik Govs Agree to Resolve Border Issue Peacefully – EU Welcomes Ceasefire

Islamabad; Monitoring Desk – In connection with the border incident at the Kyrgyz-Tajik border of the state border of the Kyrgyz Republic on April 28-29, 2021, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic Ruslan Kazakbaev held talks with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan Sirojiddin Mukhriddin and other representatives, during which the Parties discussed further joint actions aimed at resolving the situation in the border area of the two countries.

The Foreign Ministries stressed the urgent need to resolve the conflict situation, which led to the victims and wounded from both the Kyrgyz and Tajik sides, through peaceful political and diplomatic negotiations.

Minister R. Kazakbaev noted that the Kyrgyz side does not claim foreign territories and has no intention of sharing its land with anyone. In this context, he emphasized that all border and economic issues should be resolved at the negotiating table with the participation of high representatives within the framework of government delegations on the delimitation and demarcation of the Kyrgyz-Tajik state border.

He noted the importance of building confidence between the two states, especially in the border area, taking measures to ensure security and stability in the border areas, and suppressing any actions aimed at increasing tensions among the local population.

As a result of several negotiations between the Ministers , agreements were reached on a comprehensive ceasefire on from 20:00 hours and the withdrawal of military forces to the places of their previous deployment.

The Parties also agreed to hold a separate meeting of the heads of law enforcement and security agencies with the participation of representatives of the local authorities of the Parties  where will be discussed further details of the resolving of the situation .

The European Union, on 30 April 2021, has  welcomed the agreement reached on Thursday by the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan on a ceasefire and further negotiations for a political settlement of the border issues. The EU regrets the violence over the past days and expresses its sympathy to those who have lost relatives or friends.

The European Union, including through its Special Representative for Central Asia, its EU Delegations and in Brussels, has been engaged in permanent diplomatic contacts with the authorities of the two countries.

In view of the continued clashes in some areas today, the agreement needs to be implemented without delay for a lasting and peaceful solution. Both sides will need to undertake all the necessary steps to avoid any conflict in the future.

The EU stands ready to provide, if needed, technical assistance through its regional programmes dealing with border management and water management, as well as continued political support for a stability and prosperity in the region, which are key priorities of the EU Strategy on Central Asia.