Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan hold first meeting of intergovernmental council in Bishkek

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan on Friday held the first meeting of the intergovernmental council in Bishkek.

The meeting was attended by Adylbek Kasymaliev, chairman of the Kyrgyz Cabinet of Minister, and Tajik Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda, according to a statement. Rasulzoda arrived in Bishkek earlier in the day on a working visit.

Noting that the past year marked a historic milestone in relations between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, Kasymaliev said bilateral ties reached a “qualitatively new level.”

“I would especially like to note the successful completion of the delimitation process of the Kyrgyz-Tajik state border, which has become a decisive factor in strengthening security and stability not only in our countries but also in the region as a whole,” Kasymaliev said, expressing confidence that the demarcation of the remaining sections of their border will be completed in the near future.

Kasymaliev said both the presidents of both countries will “set the tone for the progressive development” of bilateral cooperation and that the newly established council serves as an important mechanism for developing their partnership and implementing agreements reached at the highest level.

He assured that Bishkek intends to implement the deals reached within the framework of the intergovernmental council.

Rasulzoda said the Tajik side attaches particular importance to the development of good relations with Kyrgyzstan and strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation.

He expressed that the intergovernmental council will be a good platform for promoting joint initiatives, expanding trade and economic cooperation, and developing collaboration in various sectors.

The statement added that a protocol on the first Kyrgyz-Tajik Intergovernmental Council meeting was signed, as well as a memorandum of understanding for export development and promotion between both countries’ relevant ministries.

Before the meeting, Kasymaliev and Rasulzoda also held bilateral talks, discussing trade, economy and culture.

Rasulzoda also held talks with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov later in the day.

The nearly 1,000-kilometer (621-mile) border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan had been a recurring flashpoint for conflict between the two Central Asian neighbors. The Kyrgyz and Tajik presidents signed a historic border agreement in March last year, resolving the longstanding dispute.