St. petersburg: The presidents of Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan were awarded the Leo Tolstoy International Peace Prize on Sunday during an informal summit of Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries, according to a Kremlin statement. The event took place in Russia's St. Petersburg, where the leaders gathered to discuss regional cooperation and peace initiatives.

According to Anadolu Agency, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev received the prestigious award for their 'significant personal contributions' to strengthening peace and security in Central Asia. The award recognizes their efforts in resolving longstanding border issues, which have historically been a point of contention among the neighboring nations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who attended the award ceremony, praised the agreements reached among the three countries, highlighting the importance of their cooperation in promoting regional stability. The leaders' collaborative approach has been seen as a positive step towards ensuring long-term peace and security in the area.

The Leo Tolstoy International Peace Prize, established in Russia in 2022, aims to honor individuals and organizations that have made notable contributions to promoting peace and friendship among peoples. This year's recipients were acknowledged for their proactive measures in fostering dialogue and understanding in Central Asia, a region that has experienced numerous challenges related to border disputes and regional tensions.