Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan relations

It seems the Kyrgyz authorities are set on prosecuting the politicians and activists who stridently opposed the border deal with Uzbekistan, accusing them of coup-plotting.

They did so separately, however, given how contentious the agreement on the Kempir-Abad reservoir is in Kyrgyzstan.

Despite domestic opposition in Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek and Tashkent are moving ahead with their agreements on the Kempir-Abad reservoir.

At least 20 activists and political figures opposed to the deal have been detained in Kyrgyzstan.

Outside the Kyrgyz president's recent meeting with residents in Uzgen, villagers reportedly held signs reading “It is better to give life than land!”

Settling a border is not an easy task, but Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan seem to be entering the final phases of doing so.

In the Kyrgyz president’s first state visit to Uzbekistan earlier this month, border issues topped the agenda.

Following recent visits to Russia and Kazakhstan, new Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov is in Uzbekistan for a state visit.

The specifics of the charges against 47-year old Uzbek journalist Bobomurod Abdullaev remain unclear, but the case is drawing significant attention.

In 2018, Bobomurod Abdullaev walked out of jail in Uzbekistan after a surprising conclusion to a case levied against him by the state. New charges could mark a step backward.

It may lack big headlines, but the normal continuance of diplomacy between neighbors is important in Central Asia.