President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, today morning warmly welcomed Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov upon his arrival in Dushanbe for an state visit, marking a significant step in bilateral relations between the neighboring nations, according to the Tajik president’s official website.

The Dushanbe International Airport was festively decorated to honor the high-ranking guest, adorned with the national flags of both countries, portraits of the presidents, and banners celebrating the friendship between the peoples of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.  A ceremonial red carpet reception was organized, with honor guard officers lining both sides in formal formation.

Adding to the occasion, a vibrant and culturally rich concert program was presented by local youth and artists, underscoring the warm hospitality extended to the visiting delegation.

In a brief conversation held at the airport’s VIP lounge, Presidents Rahmon and Japarov exchanged views on the agenda of the state visit.  Both leaders expressed confidence that this visit would open a new chapter in the history of Tajik-Kyrgyz relations.

The official visit of President Sadyr Japarov to Tajikistan is scheduled to continue through July 9. The visit includes high-level bilateral talks, the signing of new cooperation agreements, and several other key events, including a trade and investment forum aimed at strengthening economic ties.

The border of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan has been the scene of unrest repeatedly since the collapse of the former Soviet Union.   Border talks between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan began in 2002.  Unresolved border issues have led to tensions for the past 30 years.

Tensions between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan have remained high until recently, owing to a border dispute, as well as other issues involving irrigation, smuggling, and illegal border crossings.

This dispute has led to clashes between the two countries.  Kyrgyzstan unilaterally closed the border with Tajikistan in spring 2021 after an armed conflict along a disputed segment of the border left 36 Kyrgyz nationals dead.

During fierce armed confrontations, a lot of schools, mosques were destroyed in addition to the houses of civilians; administrative buildings were also attacked by fire.

When the border closed, official trade turnover plummeted to nothing.  Smugglers continued to ply their wares across the border, however.

The countries first announced in December last year that they had tentatively reached agreement on the delimitation of their 987-kilometer-long frontier.

In February this year, officials from Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan finalized a border delimitation agreement, taking the edge off what had been sharpest border dispute in the Central Asian region.  The agreement catalyzed the expansion of regional trade.

On March 13, Presidents Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan and Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan signed the State Border Treaty between the two countries in Kyrgyzstan’s capital, Bishkek, during Rahmon’s state visit to Kyrgyzstan.