Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan held a trilateral meeting on January 8, marking the significant progress made on settling the borders between the three Central Asian neighbors.

Adylbek Kasymaliev, the new head of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, met with his counterparts, Tajik Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda and Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov.

According to a Kyrgyz government readout, “The prime ministers of the three countries emphasized that the countries have great potential for strengthening cooperation in key areas such as trade, logistics, water and energy, and cultural and humanitarian ties.” The statement also cited “the development of cross-border and interregional cooperation” as critical.

The three countries’ prime ministers met at the junction where Kyrgyzstan’s Batken Region, Tajikistan’s Sughd Region, and Uzbekistan’s Fergana Region come together. They gathered in a tent that appeared to have been specifically constructed for the meeting.

The junction where Kyrgyzstan’s Batken Region, Tajikistan’s Sughd Region, and Uzbekistan’s Fergana Region meet. Photo:

© The Diplomat