Governors of Batken region of Kyrgyzstan and Sughd region of Tajikistan sign protocol of cooperation

AKIPRESS.COM - Kyrgyzstan's Batken region governor Omurbek Suvanaliev and Tajikistan's Sughd region governor Rajabboi Ahmadzoda signed the protocol of cooperation, Batken region administration reported on March 18.
The governors and heads of law enforcement agencies of two countries held talks on March 17-18 in Guliston, Tajikistan, on the sidelines of the Kyrgyz-Tajik border delimitation talks.
The governors and heads of law enforcement agencies discussed latest border incidents, detention of citizens of both countries for illegal border crossing.
The governors spoke for prompt solution of border related issues, reinforcement of border safety and expansion of bilateral ties between two nations.
The protocol of cooperation was signed following the talks.
The given protocol:
- tasks line agencies to implement the agreements reached between the intergovernmental commission of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan;
- envisions regular outreach work among residents of border areas of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan by governors of border districts to prevent border conflicts;
- tasks law enforcement agencies of two countries to ramp up work on protection of public order and safety;
- requires establishment of a working group that will tackle the issues arising in border areas;
- foresees cooperation of the two countries in fight against terrorism and extremism, outreach work with population to foil smuggling;
- envisions facilitation of cross-border trade;
- foresees intensification of cooperation in use of water resources on the basis of the rules stipulated in earlier approved documents;
- suggests consideration of the previous agreements on use of pastures;
- suggests organization of mass cultural, sport events with participation of residents of border areas.
The region governors also discussed possible reopening of border crossing points closed due to coronavirus pandemic, including such points as Kulundu and Kairagach in Leilek district and Kyzyl-Bel point in Batken district.
Law enforcements agencies were demanded to ramp up fight against smuggling of goods and to hold those responsible for illegal actions on the border accountable.