Uzbekistan Transfers Two Villages to Kyrgyzstan as Part of Border Agreement

Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan have completed a land exchange as part of their border demarcation process, resulting in the transfer of the villages of Shonkara and Tash-Tobe from Uzbekistan to Kyrgyzstan. The announcement was made by Kyrgyz presidential spokesperson Askat Alagozov.

The two villages are home to approximately 2,500 residents, the majority of whom are ethnic Kyrgyz. According to Kyrgyz authorities, local residents will receive Kyrgyz citizenship following the transfer. In return, Kyrgyzstan handed over border territories of equal size to Uzbekistan.

The two countries also exchanged 236 hectares of land to enable the construction of a new road between the villages of Sai and Tayan. Once completed, the route will reduce the travel distance between Aidarken and Batken from 225 kilometers to about 55 kilometers.

Alagozov also revealed that Kyrgyzstan has proposed a similar land-swap project with Kazakhstan near Tokmok. If approved, a toll highway approximately 150 kilometers long could be built, connecting Almaty Street with the city of Kemin.

Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan officially completed the delimitation of their shared border in early 2023. Under the agreement, both countries reached a full settlement on a 302.29-kilometer section of their border, resolving a long-standing territorial issue through negotiations.