Bishkek: Kyrgyzstan's parliament has ratified a border agreement with neighboring Tajikistan, addressing a protracted dispute that has been a source of conflict between the two Central Asian nations. The decision marks a significant step toward resolving tensions that have led to violence and displacement in recent years.

According to Anadolu Agency, the ratification process included the adoption of the bill and two related agreements in three readings by Kyrgyzstan's Supreme Council. Several parliamentary committees held a joint meeting to approve the bills, highlighting the importance of the agreement in reducing regional tensions.

Turgunbek uluu Nurlanbek, the parliament's speaker, emphasized that settling the border issues would reinforce the long-standing friendship between the Kyrgyz and Tajik peoples. He expressed optimism that the agreement would help end disagreements and foster political, economic, cultural, and humanitarian collaboration between the two countries.

On Thursday, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon formalized the agreement on the state border in a signing ceremony held in Bishkek. The 1,000-kilometer Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan border has been a frequent site of conflict, with severe clashes occurring in 2021 and 2022.

In 2021, violence over three days resulted in the deaths of 36 Kyrgyz citizens and 19 Tajik citizens. Subsequent clashes in September 2022 left at least 100 people dead and forced approximately 140,000 individuals to evacuate the area.