The Uzbek authorities have closed the border with Tajikistan till September 12, the head of the Tajik national security committee’s border control department, Sukhrob Rakhimov, told Itar-Tass on Wednesday.

Uzbek border guards explain these measures are taken to ensure security during the Independence Day to be marked in Uzbekistan on 1 September.

Rakhimov pointed out that previously Tashkent also closed the border for a period of official events, but no more than for two-three days.

Tajik border guards obtain the information that these measures will not cover diplomats, representatives of international organizations accredited in Tajikistan and Russian citizens. There are certain exceptions for Tajik citizens as well.

Uzbekistan toughened border rules with neighbouring countries, including with Tajikistan, in 1999 soon after international terrorist gangs invaded Uzbekistan’s border regions.

Earlier this year Tashkent imposed unilateral visa rules with Tajikistan.

Uzbekistan has common border with Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan on the east, with Afghanistan – on the south, with Kazakhstan – on the north and on the west and with Turkmenistan – on the south-west.