The signing of the Treaty on the Junction Point of the State Borders of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan in Khujand on March 31 is “an event whose importance is difficult to overestimate.” This was written by the press secretary of the President of Uzbekistan, Sherzod Asadov, on his Telegram channel. Gazeta.uz cites his opinion in full.

An event, whose importance it is impossible to overestimate, took place in Khujand. For the first time in the entire period of independence of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, a Treaty on Junction Point of State Borders of the three countries was signed.

This landmark agreement opens a new page in the history of our countries, putting an end to the so-called “hundred-year problem” and laying a solid foundation for long-term stability and prosperity for the entire region.

For decades, unresolved border issues have been a source of tension and conflict, especially in the densely populated Fergana Valley, where nationals of the three countries often live in close proximity to each other, sometimes separated by just one street.

The signing of the border deal between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, as well as today's trilateral agreement, radically changes this situation, eliminating the source of possible conflicts.

Now that the borders have been finally demarked, our countries have vast opportunities to expand trade, economic, transport, cultural, humanitarian and environmental cooperation. Their powerful economic effect will not take long to emerge.

The Treaty on the Uzbek-Kyrgyz state border, the Treaty on Junction Point of the State borders of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, the Treaty between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan on certain sections of the border were inked in 2017-2018.

The achievement of such agreements became possible thanks to the strong political will of the leaders of all Central Asian states, their pragmatic approach, desire for cooperation and mutual understanding.

One of the most important outcomes is that today Central Asia is being perceived as a united region with a shared identity and interrelated interests.

Overall, the listed historical successes are a clear example demonstrating that even the most complex issues can be effectively resolved through open dialogue, respect and mutual trust.

Today we have a different Central Asia - it is united and strong, is open to peace and full-scale partnership. And this is certainly pleasing!