Japarov says Mirziyoyev played a key role in ending dispute with Rahmon (video)

Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev played a significant role in resolving the long-standing border dispute between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, a conflict that at times led to bloodshed. This was stated by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov in the four-part documentary film “President,” produced to mark the fifth anniversary of his presidency.

“I must, of course, say that Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev played a major role in softening his (Emomali Rahmon’s) position. His contribution was very significant.

He told him (Rahmon): ‘Now the person who can resolve this issue has come and is sitting here’ (referring to Sadyr Japarov). ‘Resolve it now. What will happen later, how things will turn out — who knows? Now you should make concessions.’ By persuading him and gaining his consent, we resolved this issue in that way,” Japarov said.

As is known, Kyrgyzstan has previously been led by Askar Akayev, Kurmanbek Bakiyev, Roza Otunbayeva (as interim president), Almazbek Atambayev, and Sooronbay Jeenbekov. During their respective tenures, neither domestic reconciliation nor compromise with neighboring countries was achieved. In particular, during the presidencies of Atambayev and Jeenbekov, border- and water-related disputes intensified.

Speaking about relations with neighboring countries in the “President” documentary, Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubayev also highlighted President Mirziyoyev’s approach to regional diplomacy, emphasizing his principle that “if your neighbor is peaceful, you are peaceful.”

“President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev is a very active leader and one of those who advocate for bringing Central Asia closer together. That is why he always said: ‘Hey, Kyrgyz and Tajiks, you need to reach an agreement. Stop these border conflicts. If such disputes continue, no investors will come to us, no tourists will come. Because the word ‘-stan’ applies to all of us. Foreigners do not distinguish between Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, or Kazakhstan. Once they hear the name ‘-stan,’ no one comes. That is why you need to be close and talk to each other,’” the minister said.

It should be recalled that on March 31 of this year, the presidents of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan — Emomali Rahmon, Sadyr Japarov, and Shavkat Mirziyoyev — signed an agreement on the junction point of their state borders during a meeting in Khujand. The border junction is located in the Fergana Valley and connects Sughd region (Tajikistan), Fergana region (Uzbekistan), and Batken region (Kyrgyzstan). The agreement was later ratified by President Sadyr Japarov.

For reference, in December 2025, Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan, and Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan were awarded the Lev Tolstoy International Peace Prize for their significant personal contribution to strengthening peace and security in the Central Asian region.