In an interview recorded in the film, Japarov noted the significant role of his Uzbek colleague in resolving the long-standing territorial dispute between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. He emphasized that Shavkat Mirziyoyev has always advocated for a swift compromise, urging the parties "not to miss the moment and strive for mutual agreement" for the sake of long-term stability and security in the region, as reported by the Uzbek press.
In one episode of the film, Japarov recalled how, after the border conflict in April 2021, despite the resistance of his advisors, including the chairman of the State Committee for National Security Kamchybek Tashiev, he initiated negotiations with Emomali Rahmon in Dushanbe. However, the ten-hour discussions did not yield a positive result.
After the failure of the negotiations, Kyrgyzstan began to strengthen its armed forces by purchasing Bayraktar Akıncı and Aksungur drones from Turkey.
The president noted that in September 2022, during a new conflict, it became clear that the military forces of both countries had equalized.
Sadyr Japarov also highlighted Mirziyoyev's important contribution to reaching an agreement with Tajikistan. "When we met at summits, I told Rahmon: 'Let's sit down and talk.' At first, he refused, but then he agreed. It should be noted that it was the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who played a key role in convincing us of the necessity to 'not miss the moment and move towards mutual agreement.' That's how we came to a resolution of the border dispute," he reported.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan, Jeenbek Kulubaev, also noted that Shavkat Mirziyoyev is one of those leaders who promote the rapprochement of Central Asian countries.
He emphasized: "He has always said that Kyrgyz and Tajiks need to come to an agreement and stop border conflicts. If disputes continue, no investors or tourists will come to us. All our countries have the suffix '-stan,' and foreigners do not distinguish between Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, or Kazakhstan. As soon as they hear '-stan,' no one comes to us. Therefore, you need to get closer," Kulubaev said.
It is worth noting that in March 2025, the leaders of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, Sadyr Japarov and Emomali Rahmon, signed an agreement on the state border between the two countries. The work of two border checkpoints, closed since 2021, was resumed, and flights between Bishkek and Dushanbe, as well as Khujand, were opened.
In the same month, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan signed a trilateral agreement on the junction point of borders during a meeting of the leaders of the three countries in Khujand, where a Friendship stele was ceremonially opened.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that this agreement would be an important factor for the stability and sustainable development of the region, as well as strengthen its international authority. "The borders that once divided us have now become bridges of friendship and cooperation," he added.
Source: gazeta.uz
