Disputes over the disputed border area have previously led to several violent clashes between the three – Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan.
The agreement was reached days before a top meeting is held between the Central Asian countries and the EU. Already earlier, bilateral agreements have been signed regarding the land area, but Monday's signing by the presidents of the three former Soviet republics means that the countries are now fully in agreement.
In the Fergana Valley, two important rivers flow. The area has crucial significance for water supply and energy.
Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon, Kyrgyzstan's President Sadyr Japarov, and Uzbek leader Shavkat Mirziyoyev promised each other "eternal friendship" when they signed. Furthermore, the leaders of the three countries stated at the meeting, in Tajikistan, that "cooperation will be strengthened between brother nations – including issues related to energy and transport".
