Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan signed on Thursday a border agreement seen as key for the stability of Central Asia, a move that follows three decades of conflict between the two former Soviet republics over water resources and land.
The deal -- signed in Bishek by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and his Tajik counterpart Emomali Rakhmon -- is a sign of how relations between the two allies of Russia have improved since their last clash in autumn 2022.
"From now and forever, the border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan will be the border of eternal friendship," Japarov said.
Japarov's office said the accord would contribute to "strengthening security, stability and sustainable development in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, and in the whole of Central Asia".
The two leaders said direct air links would resume and the border, closed nearly four years ago in May 2021, would reopen. The deal involves an exchange of territory.
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