DUSHANBE, May 12, Asia-Plus - A roundtable meeting to resolve border problems between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan was launched in the Tajik eastern district of Jirgatol (Rasht Valley) on the Tajik-Kyrgyz border today. 

The meeting is held under the “Cross-Border Cooperation Kyrgyzstan/Tajikistan” project, which is a joint initiative of UNDP Country Offices in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan .  The meeting participants include representatives from border communities and local authorities of Tajik and Kyrgyz border districts

According to information from the UNDP Dushanbe Office, during the meeting its participants will familiarize themselves with goals and objectives of the project.  It is also supposed to set up a working group for determining cross-border problems resulting from local conditions and working out a joint plan on resolving local cross-border problems.   

According to Olimjon Safarov, deputy chairman of the Jirgatol district, the same meeting was held between senior representatives from local authorities of the two border districts was held in 2004.  

ABOUT: The project for cross-border cooperation Kyrgyzstan/Tajikistan was launched in late 2003.  The project is designed for two years and strengthened by economic component for raising incomes of population and developing opportunities of cross-border business through creation of local Microfinance Development Funds at the Jamoat Support Centers.  The main objective of this project being implemented in seven border districts (Lailek, Batken and Chonalai in Kyrgyzstan and Isfara, Jabborrasulov, Bobojonghafurov and Jirgatol in Tajikistan ) is in supporting social and economic stabilization in border areas of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan , as well as expanding cooperation through a number of events promoting establishment of mutual.