The state visit of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, His Excellency Sadir Japarov, to Tajikistan from July 8 to 9, 2025, marks a significant political and historical milestone in bilateral relations. Occurring amid efforts to resolve long-standing border issues, the visit underscores the strong commitment of President Emomali Rahmon and President Sadir Japarov to fostering peace, friendship, and regional cooperation.
Diplomatic relations between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, which officially commenced on January 14, 1993, have evolved considerably over the past three decades. These ties, founded on principles of equality, good neighborliness, and mutual respect, have now reached a new level of maturity and strategic importance.
As Asia remains the largest continent, Central and South Asia occupy a strategic position, rich in culture, history, and natural resources. Relations between these regions stretch back to the time of the Great Silk Road and have expanded through continuous people-to-people contacts.
Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Central Asian countries gained independence and began building sovereign relations based on national priorities. The region today—comprising Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan—is home to over 50 million people and plays a crucial geopolitical role in Eurasia.
Tajikistan has emerged as a proponent of regional peace and cooperation, promoting political, social, and economic development as a function of its sovereign identity. President Emomali Rahmon’s emphasis on global peace was evident during his address at the UN General Assembly on September 23, 2024, where he proposed a UN resolution titled “Decade of Peacebuilding for Future Generations.”
Grounded in principles of friendship and shared cultural values, Tajikistan continues to champion regional harmony. On March 31, 2025, the Khujand Declaration was signed by the Presidents of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. This historic agreement aimed to institutionalize enduring friendship and formalized the Treaty on the Point of Confluence of the State Borders of the three nations—an act hailed as a “historic document” for regional diplomacy.
This treaty is expected to significantly bolster cooperation across economic, cultural, scientific, educational, and tourism sectors. President Rahmon, during the signing ceremony, reaffirmed the collective commitment to peace, saying, “We firmly declare our support for peaceful resolutions to all disputes through dialogue based on good neighborliness, mutual respect, and trust.”
The Khujand Declaration not only lays the groundwork for regional peace and partnership but also sets the stage for sustainable political development and increased investment and tourism. It is a reflection of the visionary leadership of President Rahmon in turbulent geopolitical times. The agreement also symbolizes the ability of the three nations to resolve critical issues independently, without external mediation—a rare and commendable achievement in today’s international relations.
Tajik academic Davron Safarzoda noted, “The Declaration of Eternal Friendship carries historical and political significance. Central Asia, as a unified geopolitical entity, can only achieve progress and security through integration and peaceful coexistence.” This document resolved several long-standing border disputes without the involvement of any external actors, emphasizing the sovereignty and shared interests of the involved nations.
According to Haydarzoda Rustam, Director of the Institute for the Study of Asian and European Countries, the border agreement is a testament to the persistent efforts of regional leadership and will serve as a catalyst for continued stability, security, and neighborly cooperation.
On a related note, the authors participated in the international scientific conference hosted by Andijan State University of Languages in Uzbekistan on June 13–14, 2025. Themed “The Development of Tourism, Guiding, Translation, Hospitality in the Fergana Valley,” the forum brought together scholars from Central, South, and Southeast Asia, the Middle East, the Caucasus, Europe, and America. The event, held in the scenic Khanabad region along the historic Silk Road and the Kara Darya River, emphasized tourism as a vital avenue for promoting peace and regional development.
The people of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan take immense pride in Central Asia’s historical legacy. The region, known as Transoxiana in ancient times, is globally recognized for its cultural heritage. Valleys such as Zarafshan, Fergana, Hissar, Karotegin, and Vakhsh are world-renowned heritage zones that offer untapped potential for tourism development.
The Fergana Valley, in particular, is shared by Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan and hosts some of the most densely populated and historically rich regions in Central Asia. The valley’s central zone includes Uzbekistan’s Fergana, Namangan, and Andijan; Kyrgyzstan’s Jalal-Abad, Osh, and Batken; and Tajikistan’s Sughd region. Historically, the valley was the centre of the Kokand Khanate in the 18th and 19th centuries and later became part of the Russian Empire before being divided in the Soviet era.
Today, this valley represents an exceptional opportunity for cross-border tourism and cultural exchange. As part of the Kyrgyz President’s visit to Tajikistan, a cultural program titled “Eternal Friendship” is scheduled in Dushanbe, featuring performances by Tajik and Kyrgyz artists, high-level meetings between cultural ministers, and events at prestigious locations such as the S. Aini Opera and Ballet Theater, National Museum, Novruz Palace, Istiklol Complex, and Varzob Valley.
Cultural events, bilateral agreements, and business forums all contribute to building lasting people-to-people linkages and fostering prosperity in Central and South Asia. One key area of regional cooperation is the CASA-1000 energy project, designed to connect Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan’s hydropower surplus with energy-deficient markets in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Launched in 2008 and finalized in 2011, CASA-1000 is poised to transmit up to 11 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan aim to export approximately five billion kilowatt-hours to Pakistan during peak summer months, amounting to roughly five per cent of Pakistan’s total consumption.
The project is expected to generate over $250 million annually in revenue for both countries, with Kyrgyzstan contributing 40% of the electricity and Tajikistan 60%. CASA-1000 represents a significant advancement in renewable energy collaboration and cross-border infrastructure.
In conclusion, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan have revitalized their regional diplomacy through active engagement in organizations such as the UN, SCO, CIS, and ECO. Their renewed ties demonstrate a commitment to solving shared challenges and enhancing practical cooperation. As Tajikistan continues to emerge as a nation of peace-driven initiatives, its regional partnerships reflect a collective vision for long-term stability and prosperity.
By signing the historic agreement, both nations have given tangible expression to the aspirations of their peoples—aspirations rooted in mutual understanding, unity, tolerance, and peace. In doing so, they are laying the foundation for stronger political relations, deeper investment ties, and a dynamic tourism sector—not only within Central Asia but across the broader region.
Mirsaid Rahmonov
The writer is a senior researcher in the South and Central Asia Department, Institute of Asian and European Studies, Tajikistan.
Rahmonzoda Azimjon
The writer is Senior Fellow, European Department, Institute of Asian and European Studies, Tajikistan.
