The city of Khujand recently hosted a significant event – a summit attended by the leaders of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. The meeting resulted in the signing of the Treaty on the Junction Point of State Borders, demonstrating a strong commitment to transforming borders into a zone of peace, stability, and shared development. This milestone achievement is the culmination of years of hard work, sincere dialogue, and cooperation based on the principles of sovereignty, equality, and mutual benefit.
The resolution of border issues among the three countries that share the Fergana Valley marks a significant shift in the region’s dynamics. Previously, relations between these nations were fraught with unresolved issues and tensions, but now they have been replaced by trust, mutual understanding, and a shared commitment to addressing common challenges together.
This positive transformation in Central Asia has been largely due to the proactive foreign policy of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who has made the region a top priority. Under his leadership, the region has become a space of trust, good neighborliness, and mutually beneficial cooperation, and has emerged as a responsible and predictable actor in international relations.
The launch of the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia (CMCA) has played a crucial role in this process. These meetings have become a key platform for strategic discussions and decision-making, and have led to the adoption of long-term conceptual documents, such as the Concept for the Development of Regional Cooperation “Central Asia 2040” and the Roadmap for the Development of Regional Cooperation for 2025-2027.
Thanks to the political consolidation and high level of mutual trust among the Central Asian countries, there has also been robust economic growth in the region. Cross-border trade and industrial zones have been established, joint investment projects are in progress, and there is an increasing focus on producing high-value-added goods. This has created new opportunities for import-substituting goods and enhanced the resilience of the region’s industrial infrastructure.
Furthermore, the process of regional rapprochement has played a crucial role in resolving long-standing border issues. Uzbekistan has successfully resolved its border issues with Kazakhstan and completed the delimitation of borders with Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. Simplification of visa regimes and improvement of border crossing points have also facilitated increased mutual travel among citizens.
The recent signing of the Treaty on the State Border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan is a significant step towards resolving a long-standing dispute between the two countries and marks the beginning of a new stage of mutually beneficial cooperation. The reopening of previously closed border checkpoints and the agreement to resume air travel between the two nations is a positive development.
The signing of the Treaty on the Junction Point of the Borders between Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan is also of great significance for the development of the Fergana Valley, one of the most densely populated and economically active regions in Central Asia. This treaty reflects a shared commitment to strengthening partnerships and improving the quality of life for the peoples of these three nations.