Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 31 March, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev participated in a trilateral meeting in Khujand with President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov.

At the beginning of the negotiations, the heads of state exchanged greetings on the occasion of the sacred holiday of Ramadan Hayit and the spring festival of renewal and awakening, Navruz. The leaders extended their wishes of peace, prosperity, and well-being to the fraternal peoples of their countries.

President Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of fully resolving all issues related to the delimitation of the state border between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan and congratulated his counterparts on signing the relevant treaty. He noted that this historic document, along with the Treaty on the Border Junction of the Three States, would contribute to strengthening stability, fostering sustainable development, and enhancing the region’s international standing. A monument symbolizing growing trust, good neighborliness, and strategic partnership—the Friendship Stele—was also ceremonially unveiled.

During the meeting, President Mirziyoyev elaborated on key areas of practical cooperation, placing special emphasis on maintaining regular and trusted high-level contacts. He reminded his counterparts that later this week, Samarkand would host the first "Central Asia – European Union" summit, as well as a Climate Forum dedicated to environmental challenges in the region. He also noted the upcoming May summit with Arab states of the Persian Gulf and the seventh Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Leaders in September. In this context, he stressed the importance of continued consultations between the foreign ministries of the three countries to carefully prepare the agenda for these events and develop coordinated positions on key issues.

One of the priority areas of cooperation discussed was the development of close ties between border regions. Trade turnover between Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan has grown significantly in recent years, with a large share involving cross-border areas. In this regard, the need to modernize and expand customs checkpoints, as well as establish a modern and convenient trade and logistics infrastructure, was highlighted. To further enhance business relations, President Mirziyoyev proposed the creation of a trilateral trade platform featuring a permanent exhibition and fair of industrial and agricultural products.

Another key topic was industrial cooperation. The Uzbek leader noted that Uzbek enterprises and private companies are actively investing in the establishment of modern production facilities in neighboring countries. To further develop cooperation, he expressed readiness to gradually increase the capital of joint investment funds, which would help expand production ties and support joint projects.

Transport connectivity between the three nations was also discussed. The leaders emphasized the need to increase the frequency of flights, expand their geographical coverage, and launch new bus routes between border cities.

Additionally, large-scale regional initiatives in green energy, transport, water resources, and environmental protection were considered. President Mirziyoyev underlined that enhanced governmental cooperation in the economic sphere should yield tangible results that improve people’s well-being.

Cultural and humanitarian collaboration was another focus of the meeting. The Uzbek leader emphasized that the ongoing events in Khujand were fostering friendship and mutual understanding, particularly among young people. In this context, he proposed organizing annual joint concerts and friendship festivals in border regions during Navruz celebrations. He also expressed readiness to host such an event next year in Fergana.

As a result of the meeting, the historic Treaty on the Border Junction of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan was signed, along with a Joint Declaration of the Heads of State.