"Kyrgyz and Kazakhs are Brothers, But Neighbors Create Artificial Barriers" - Zhogorku Kenesh Deputy

Kyrgyz deputies expressed concern about queues at the border with Kazakhstan, Orda.kz reports, citing Kaktus.media.

Yesterday, The Zhogorku Kenesh considered ratifying the agreement to deepen and expand allied relations between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. This agreement aims to strengthen cooperation in various areas, from political and military-technical to cultural and humanitarian.

However, some provisions of the agreement raised questions among deputies:

The parties cooperate in the area of ​​international automobile and rail communications and the creation of favorable conditions for national carriers, including through the development of transport infrastructure capable of ensuring the timely delivery of products to the markets of both countries.

Deputy Ulugbek Ormonov recalled many agreements between the Republics; however, as soon as seasonal factors begin, “problems arise at the border.”

When our neighbors need it, we provide assistance with open arms. But as soon as we need it, they say that the situation is like this, and in the meantime, hundreds of vehicles are parked at the border. And this situation has been going on for years. There are many agreements, but they are not being implemented,
said the Kyrgyz parliamentarian during discussions of the document.

Kyrgyzstan's Deputy Foreign Minister Almaz Imangaziyev confirmed that this issue is complex but noted that work is underway to resolve it.

This clause was included in the agreement at the initiative of Presidents Sadyr Japarov and Qasym-Jomart Toqayev. Negotiations are currently underway to open additional checkpoints on the border,
 added the Deputy Foreign Minister.

MP Kamila Talieva also expressed dissatisfaction. She called on the Foreign Ministry to defend Kyrgyzstan's interests actively and diplomatically.

Of course, the Kyrgyz and Kazakhs are brothers, but when you travel to Issyk-Kul and back, you constantly see trucks at the border. The queues are endless, our citizens and entrepreneurs suffer from them. Undoubtedly, such issues should be resolved diplomatically. The agreement is good, but agreements should not remain declarative. These problems can be solved. We help our neighbors, we do what they say, but they themselves create artificial obstacles for us,stated the deputy of the Zhogorku Kenesh. 

Ulan Primov, chair of Kyrgyzstan's Committee on International Affairs, assured his colleagues that the new agreement will encourage the development of bilateral relations, especially in transport and logistics. 

According to him, the parties undertake to create favorable conditions for carriers, which should solve the problem of delays at the border.

Ultimately, the Kyrgyz parliament approved the ratification of the agreement.

Original Author: Zarina Fayzulina