Thousands of people cross Kyrgyz-Tajik border after checkpoints open
Border crossings between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan resume after nearly a year of closure
As of March 13 to March 17, a total of 4,891 individuals have crossed the Kyrgyz-Tajik state border, according to the Border Service of the State Committee for National Security of Kyrgyzstan. Among them, 3,755 people passed through the Kairagach checkpoint, 659 through Kyzyl-Bel, and 477 traveled by air between the two countries.
The Border Service specified that Kairagach, situated in the Leilek district, is a two-way checkpoint catering to citizens of both Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. On the other hand, Kyzyl-Bel in the Batken district is a multilateral checkpoint where individuals from third countries can also pass through.
Both Kyzyl-Bel and Kairagach checkpoints resumed operations on March 13 following the signing of bilateral agreements between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. In total, there are five checkpoints along the border between the two countries: Kulundu, Kyzyl-Bel, Kairagach, Karamyk, and Bor-Dobo. The border had been closed since the spring of 2021 due to an armed conflict.
The reopening of these border crossings signifies a positive step towards fostering friendly relations and facilitating movement and exchange between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Travelers and traders can now once again utilize these checkpoints for their respective purposes, providing a boost to regional connectivity and cooperation.
