“Tourists should see Central Asia as a single space”
The rapprochement between Central Asian countries is being felt not only in political agreements but also in the daily lives of people. Issues such as easing border crossings, trade, travel, and cargo transportation are becoming an important part of regional cooperation.
“Tourists should see Central Asia as a single space”
How are the residents of neighboring countries reacting to Central Asian integration and the Khujand Declaration?
Bakhtiyor Hamdamov:
The Declaration of Eternal Friendship is a very important document. The leaders of our countries signed it on the basis of mutual agreement, without any intermediaries. There was no external influence from other countries in this process.
Today's second forum being held in Khujand is also the next step on the path to integration. We have agreed on many issues, and peace and harmony have been established between us and Kyrgyzstan. Relations between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are also very good now. How they welcome us there, and the extent to which relations have changed, is clearly visible.
Now, in the next stage, we must not only live in peace and harmony, but also act together and strive for development.
Integration has actually already begun. The most important aspect of this document is that it creates a solid foundation not only for today, but also for future generations. The next generation will accept this document as their heritage. In my opinion, more such forums should be held.
We must organize them ourselves as well. It is necessary to open roads and ease border crossings. Because these three peoples, and in general, the peoples of the five countries in Central Asia, have historically lived together. We must preserve this common history. Previously, neither national borders nor the concepts of nation in today's sense were divided as they are now. In the last two centuries, first during the empire and then during the Soviet era, various divisions emerged among the peoples.
Amangeldi Jumabayev:
Such forums are very necessary for us. Recently, we held a trade dialogue in Osh with the participation of the ambassadors of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Representatives of the customs services, tourism sector, and ministries of economy of the three countries participated in it. All participants emphasized one issue in particular: a solid legislative base and unified rules are needed for integration.
For example, nearly 50 percent of tourists coming to Uzbekistan come from Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, and a large part of them pass through the "Dustlik" border checkpoint located near Osh.
Currently, there are cases here where tourists wait in line for 30 minutes to an hour. This, naturally, negatively affects their impression and mood.