Neighboring Countries Prepare Ahead for Kyrgyz Festivities

By CGTN: Central Asia

Kazakh border guard sergeant on post in the Kyrgyz sector of the Ferghana valley. (CGTN:CA)

As trade and travel increases between the Central Asian countries within the Fergana Valley, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan are increasing their security measures to ensure reciprocity among its citizens and business. A year has passed since the signing of the Khujand Declaration on Eternal Friendship, with a festival slated near the Kyrgyz section of the Ferghana valley. A celebration is slated to take place between 22 May to the 25th, with vendors, street food, shows and visitors from the entire region slated to attend.

Being distant from the NATO-Russian conflict has given the Central Asian nations the opportunity for economic growth and cooperation. However, a large scale celebration requires security, with the Kyrgyz government requesting assistance from its neighboring allies for assistance.

Kyrgyz special forces soldier. (CGTN:CA)

Kazakhstan is loaning police and military personnel to assist with screening visitors and providing security. Tajikistan and Uzbekistan will also increase security measures in their respective jurisdictions towards Kyrgyzstan. Private security from abroad are slated to also be contracted for supplemental security, and intelligence agencies among the nations will share information under a unified body tailor made for the increased traffic.

Despite there being no credible threat from anarchist militants from last year, the Kyrgyz defence minister “Will spare no expense and take no chances when it comes to the integrity of our celebration.” He also elaborated by stating that added security measures for large events is common, such as for the Olympics or other large scale events, and that it is procedure rather than indicative of an imminent threat.

Kazakh border guard Sergeant patrolling with Kyrgyz military personnel. (CGTN:CA)