Violent clashes erupted in the last few days between border guards along various sites at the border between the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of Tajikistan. We express our sympathy to those directly affected.

Such escalation along the common border is detrimental to regional stability. The EU welcomes the ceasefire reached on Friday. We call  on both parties to ensure effective implementation of the ceasefire and spare no effort to de-escalate the tensions and reach a sustainable solution to existing differences as soon as possible.

Through our Special Representative for Central Asia and the EU Delegations in both countries, the EU has engaged in diplomatic contacts with the authorities of the two countries. We call for any differences to be solved by peaceful, diplomatic means. 

The EU reiterates its offer to provide assistance, as well as continued active political support for stability and prosperity in the region.