In Bishkek, the first meeting of the Kyrgyz-Tajik Intergovernmental Council took place, attended by the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, Adylbek Kasymaliev, and the Prime Minister of Tajikistan, Kohir Rasulzoda. This was reported in an official statement from the government of Kyrgyzstan.
Adylbek Kasymaliev emphasized that the upcoming year 2025 will be significant for the relations between the two countries, which reflects the high level of political dialogue and the desire to build sustainable intergovernmental ties.
He noted that Kyrgyz-Tajik relations, based on years of friendship and good neighborliness, have reached a new level and play an important role in Kyrgyzstan's foreign policy. "The completion of the state border delimitation process between our countries has become an important step towards strengthening security in the region. I am convinced that the issue of demarcating the remaining sections will be resolved soon. The leaders of our countries, Sadyr Japarov and Emomali Rahmon, are actively promoting the development of bilateral cooperation," he added.
Kasymaliev also stated that the Intergovernmental Council will be an important tool for implementing the agreements reached between the heads of state and for developing bilateral partnerships.
Discussing trade and economic issues, he expressed readiness to increase the volumes of supplies of meat and dairy products, sewing and textile goods, coal, glass, and sugar.
To increase trade turnover, it was proposed to create and sign a "roadmap" that will include specific steps and responsible persons. In addition, the idea of opening Trade Houses of Kyrgyzstan in Tajikistan and Tajikistan in Kyrgyzstan was voiced to facilitate the promotion of products and the formation of sustainable business contacts.
Kasymaliev also highlighted the importance of developing transport and logistics links, focusing on modernizing border infrastructure and improving the efficiency of control points. This includes expanding capacity, creating logistics terminals, and implementing modern digital solutions in customs administration.
"Kyrgyzstan can become a 'trade gateway' for Tajik goods to the markets of the EAEU and the EU thanks to the GSP+ system. We are implementing a major infrastructure project — the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, which will significantly enhance transit potential and the role of Kyrgyzstan as a logistics hub in the Eurasian space, opening new opportunities for Tajikistan," he noted.
The head of the Cabinet of Ministers also emphasized the positive results in the field of tourism, reporting that in 2025, Kyrgyzstan was visited by 86,000 tourists from Tajikistan, which is 12 times more compared to 2024.
The Kyrgyz side expressed interest in joint tourism projects, including the introduction of a unified visa for citizens of third countries in Central Asia.
Regarding cultural cooperation, he announced the upcoming Days of Tajik Culture in Kyrgyzstan in May, which will contribute to deepening cultural exchange.
An invitation was also extended to the Tajik side to visit Kyrgyzstan as part of the Sixth World Nomad Games.
In conclusion, Kasymaliev assured of the Kyrgyz side's intention to implement all agreements reached within the framework of the new Intergovernmental Council.
Kohir Rasulzoda, for his part, emphasized the importance of strengthening good neighborly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation with Kyrgyzstan.
He noted that the Intergovernmental Council will provide an excellent platform for supporting joint initiatives and expanding trade and economic ties, as well as for developing cooperation in energy, transport, agriculture, and other key areas.
The Prime Minister of Tajikistan confirmed readiness to implement the agreements reached and further deepen the partnership with Kyrgyzstan.
During the meeting, the parties outlined plans for promoting the agreements reached at a high level and expanding cooperation in various fields. Both countries expressed confidence that this meeting would serve as an impetus for activating interaction between them.
As a result of the meeting, a Protocol of the first meeting of the Intergovernmental Council was signed, as well as a Memorandum of Understanding between the Center for Development and Promotion of Exports "Kyrgyz Export" and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Tajikistan.
