Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan sign border delimitation and demarcation protocol

The two delegations discussed a peaceful settlement of the conflict / Photo from the Kyrgyz government

Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have signed a joint protocol on the delimitation and demarcation of the Kyrgyz-Tajik border.

The two countries' governmental delegations met in Batken region, Kyrgyzstan, to sign the document, the Kyrgyz government's press service said.

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The delegations' heads announced the need for a peaceful settlement of the conflict on the common border.

"An agreement was reached to facilitate efforts to further draw where the blank line of the Kyrgyz-Tajik state border should run along the remaining sections of the state border," it said.

The joint protocol was signed following the delegations' meeting.

Conflict between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan

• On April 29, 2021, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan accused each other of escalating the conflict on the border. Both sides reported civilian deaths, including children, and dozens of the injured. As a result, additional forces were pulled to the borders, but in the end, the sides agreed on a ceasefire and the withdrawal of their military troops.
• On April 30, 2021, the exchange of fire in the Leilek district on the Kyrgyz-Tajik border continued again. Yet, both sides agreed later on to withdraw all troops.
• In just two days, 31 people died as a result of the conflict on the border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan; 123 people were injured.
• On May 1, 2021, the presidents of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan held telephone talks. They discussed a complete ceasefire on the border between the countries and the withdrawal of the military from the deployment zone.