Madame President, Excellencies,

Today's meeting marks a moment of significant progress for Central Asia. In a world plagued by crises and blatant violations of international law, the recent peaceful resolution of the border dispute between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan stands out as a powerful testament to the enduring strength of diplomacy. The comprehensive border agreement between the two countries, along with the trilateral agreement on a border crossing with Uzbekistan, marks a major milestone for regional peace and stability.

Negotiating over 980 kilometers of disputed border was no small feat. From our own experience in Europe, we know the tremendous challenges of border negotiations by first hand.

We commend the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan for these agreements. These are not only victories for their peoples—they can serve as a beacon of hope far beyond the region. They set a powerful precedent for how regional challenges can be successfully addressed through diplomacy, mutual respect, and a commitment to the UN Charter.

This is why we are especially grateful to the distinguished representatives of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan for sharing with us today their best practices and lessons learned.

Germany remains fully committed to promoting peaceful conflict resolution based on the values of the United Nations Charter. We stand with our partners to ensure that dialogue, diplomacy, and respect for international law continue to guide efforts to resolve conflicts around the world.

Thank you.