Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan Border to Reopen After Years of Closure

The border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan is set to reopen on March 13, according to reports from Turmush and Asia Plus, citing regional authorities in Batken (Kyrgyzstan) and Sughd (Tajikistan).

As part of the reopening, two border checkpoints — Kyzyl-Bel and Kairagach — will resume operations, with the presidents of both countries attending the ceremony online.

The Kyrgyz-Tajik border has five main checkpoints:

• Kyzyl-Bel (Batken district)
• Kulundu (Leilek district)
• Kairagach (Batken district)
• Karamyik (Chon-Alai district, Osh region)
• Bor-Dobo (Chon-Alai district, Osh region)

These checkpoints had been closed since 2021 following an armed conflict over the Golovnoy water distribution facility, according to Kloop.

The clash resulted in 36 Kyrgyz and 19 Tajik casualties, including children, with dozens more injured on both sides.

On March 12, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon arrived in Kyrgyzstan ahead of the signing of a landmark border agreement and several bilateral documents.

The deal marks the official resolution of the Kyrgyz-Tajik border issue.

On February 21, government delegations from both countries signed the final protocol on border delimitation. This was followed by parliamentary committee approvals and statements from senior officials outlining land exchanges between the two nations.

According to Tajikistan’s National Security Chief, Saimumin Yatimov, the agreement was reached in the best interests of both nations, reports AKIPress.

He acknowledged the criticism on both sides but emphasized fostering brotherly and historical relations.

Following the official reopening of the Kyzyl-Bel and Kairagach checkpoints, plans are in place to gradually reopen all remaining border crossings.