Kyrgyzstan has announced a significant development in its long-standing territorial dispute with Tajikistan, declaring on Thursday that the two countries will exchange territories that have been contested since the dissolution of the Soviet Union. This move marks a pivotal moment in the relationship between these Central Asian neighbors, who have experienced sporadic violent confrontations over land and resource access since both nations gained independence in 1991.
Since December of last year, both Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have been working on a border demarcation agreement, but specific territorial concessions were not disclosed until now. According to Kamchybek Tashiev, head of Kyrgyzstan’s secret service, the agreement will result in Kyrgyzstan receiving approximately 25 square kilometers (about 10 square miles) from Tajikistan. In return, Kyrgyzstan will provide land and improved access to shared water resources, which are critical for both countries.
Tashiev emphasized the progress that has been made in negotiations, stating, “Negotiations have reached the final point and can be discussed openly from today.” He outlined that following parliamentary consideration, the heads of state would sign the agreement, which would then be ratified and formalized in a treaty between the two nations.
As a part of this agreement, several disputed roads will be declared neutral, allowing both countries to utilize them. Furthermore, access to oil wells will be enhanced, facilitating cooperation in this vital sector. The agreement also includes provisions for relocating inhabitants from the villages involved in the territory exchange, with some settlements slated for demolition and reconstruction.
In addition to the territorial exchanges, the two countries have agreed on measures to ease access to a crucial canal zone essential for agricultural activities—an industry that plays a fundamental role in the economies of both nations.
The root of this border dispute can be traced back to Soviet-era administrative divisions, which created ambiguities that have persisted long after independence. The situation escalated dramatically in Autumn 2022, resulting in the most severe fighting seen in decades, with numerous fatalities and thousands of residents forced to evacuate from border villages.
This border deal coincides with a broader trend of improving relations among the five ex-Soviet Central Asian republics, which also include Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Hopes for a resolution have been buoyed by recent discussions between Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon during a UN summit in 2023, fostering optimism for the future of bilateral relations.
