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Address by H.E. President Islam Karimov at the
Grand Meeting Dedicated to the 2200th Anniversary of the City of
Tashkent
Dear compatriots!
Distinguished guests!
Ladies and gentlemen!
First of all, allow me from the bottom of my heart to congratulate you
and in your person all citizens of the capital city, all our people on
the landmark holiday of the 2200th anniversary of the city of Tashkent,
which is the heart of our Homeland, and express to you my sincere
respect and best wishes.
Our people have a kind tradition to mark the remarkable dates with new
accomplishments and worthy presents.
In this respect, I believe I would express opinion of each person
present here if I say that the celebration of the glorious date of the
beloved Tashkent at this majestic and unique venue, which was built to
the jubilee of the city and named the Palace of International Forums
“Uzbekistan”, certainly encompasses us with a feeling of joy and
admiration.
You are all well aware that we have adopted a special resolution and
program to worthily mark the 2200th anniversary jubilee of the ancient
and ever young Tashkent in line with the decision of the high-profile
international institution of UNESCO.
For over the passed time, with a view of celebrating this date at the
high level, as well as in accordance with an important role and status
of Tashkent in the life of the country the substantial work has been
accomplished in terms of comprehensive development and betterment of our
capital city.
Today, it can be said with full confidence that there are not a single
district, residential area, makhalla (neighborhood community),
enterprise and not a single person in Tashkent, who hasn’t made an
immediate contribution to fulfillment of this large-scale, truly
historical work and hasn’t assisted with his kind piece of advice and
good wishes.
In a word, the preparation to the jubilee has proved with full
obviousness how each and every person who lives on our beautiful land
loves and values Tashkent.
I consider it my honorable duty on my own behalf and on behalf of entire
nation to express a deep gratitude to all residents of the capital, who
have made a worthy contribution to the organization of celebrations of
the landmark jubilee of the city of Tashkent.
The palace, which has widely opened its doors for us today, stands as an
amazing sample of the national architecture. We are overwhelmed with the
feeling of pride that the idea of its construction, design,
architectural solution, each column, each element of ornament, interior
and exterior decorations serve as a vivid confirmation of the talent of
our masters, architects and engineers, constructors and fitters, as well
as other highly qualified specialists.
I think that construction of such an impressive monumental building at
the very center of Tashkent can be considered as an evidence for ever
growing intellectual and creative potential, strengths and capabilities
of our country, in particular, in the sphere of modern city building.
Dear friends!
I want on behalf of all who are present in this hall to express a kind
wish: may this grand palace, which embodies the mastery and best
traditions of our national architecture, as much as beautiful Tashkent,
remain for centuries and always serve as a main venue for holding such
joyful and solemn events as today’s jubilee.
Distinguished participants of the meeting!
Celebrating the great jubilee of Tashkent, we deeply realize its
inseparable linkage with the 18th anniversary of Independence of our
Homeland.
It is necessary to underline that this momentum is of an important
political, social and spiritual significance since it is impossible to
imagine the history and modern life of the country’s capital out of
touch with the history and modern day of our Homeland, and the future of
Uzbekistan – out of touch with the future of Tashkent.
These days, when our greatest and dearest holiday – the Independence Day
is solemnly celebrated in all cities and villages, one certain fact
becomes ever more obvious for any person living in our country, who has
forever linked his fate with Uzbekistan, its today and the future, i.e.
on his own example, on the example of changes in the life of his family,
friends and kin he clearly sees and understands the essence and meaning
of enormous transformations, which have been accomplished along the
uneasy path traversed by independent Uzbekistan within such a short
period of time, and he takes pride of the growing might of our country,
its raising profile on the international arena.
It can be said without exaggeration that in these festive days we
realize yet deeper what enormous opportunities the independence has
opened up for the growth of self-consciousness of people, developing the
natural riches of their country, realizing the available potential,
achieving goals and aspirations of our people, including the youth, who
steps to an independent life, building a democratic, free, welfare state
and society on our sacred land, in a word, for building the great
future.
In this regard, if we speak about our achievements for over the past
time, I think it is appropriate to cite particular figures which witness
about stable development of economy within the last five years.
For over 2004-2008 the volume of the country’s GDP grew in the dollar
equivalent almost for 2,6 times, and the volume of manufactured produce
per capita – more than 2 times, and undoubtedly this witnesses that the
transformations in the economy bear positive practical results.
It is noteworthy that the adopted measures to ensure stable economic
growth rates and avoid groundless rise of prices have allowed for over
this period to increase the real incomes of population for 4 times.
As you know, due to the financial and economic crisis, which has broken
out worldwide, the decrease of economic growth rates is being observed
in many countries. Thousands of enterprises, companies and banks suffer
bankruptcy with a growing number of unemployed and decreasing of living
standards.
Today, analyzing the complicated situation in the countries, which
experience those problems, many people are asking the natural question:
how and at the expense of what does Uzbekistan manage to mitigate the
consequences of the global crisis, avert the decrease of economic growth
rates, and most importantly, of the living standards of population?
It is necessary to note that our society and ordinary citizens do find
the right answer to this question in the daily life and in their own
experience. One can become convinced of it during meetings and
conversations with people in all corners of the country.
The major factor of results secured by us should be searched in our
farsighted and deeply thought-out political decisions (unlike some other
countries that had pursued momentary, narrow-minded goals and interests)
taken with due consideration of the genuine interests of people and
country, as well as in the programs being confidently implemented on
this basis.
Yet another significant factor that made possible our successes is that
after gaining independence Uzbekistan, not copying anyone, but also not
denying the positive world experience, has been consistently moving
along its own evolutionary path of development that corresponds the
mentality of our people and named as the “Uzbek model” based on the five
famous principles. This model has once again confirmed its
justifiability and viability in the conditions of the financial and
economic crisis that engulfed the entire world.
The life itself proves the correctness of decisions we have taken, when
in the process of transition from previous administrative and command
system to a new system of market economy, we have followed such
principles as “The reforms are not for the sake of reforms, but for a
man, for the sake of his interests” and “Do not destroy the old house
until you build a new one”.
This process was facilitated by the fact that having rejected all sorts
of deceptive recipes and recommendations imposed on us from outside we
relied on our own potential, chose the course of consistent and gradual
implementation of reforms.
In other words, we did not apply externally loud but poorly efficient
methods on their content such as “shock therapy”, managed without
outside advisers and conducted the balanced, deeply elaborated policy to
build a new society and a new economy.
In this respect, I would like to draw your attention to one factor,
which allows to make an important conclusion.
The method of expanding and enhancing the state management, that we are
using, has fully justified itself not only in implementing the strategic
and priority programs aimed at perspective and long-term interests, when
our country and economy was overcoming the complex and serious barriers,
but also, as the life confirms itself, continues to prove its rightness
today, as well, when alongside with other states we are taking the
necessary measures to neutralize the consequences of the financial and
economic crisis.
It is not difficult to see the application and use of such approach,
judgments and experience in the steps, which the largest and developed
countries of the world are making in addressing the ever aggravating
global financial crisis.
I think, today we all well understand how rightly we acted, when in
order to avoid any political or economic dependence, avoid falling into
debtor’s hole and financial servitude, we had a very reasonable approach
to the use of funds of the international financial organizations and
foreign investments.
We need to mention that in this issue we were guided by the wisdom of
our fathers and forefathers – “entering any door think about how you are
going to exit”.
To follow up on the topic, we should specially emphasize yet another
point. Taking care about the future generations, even in the hardest
times we never hypothecated our natural, and most importantly, the
strategic resources. Having rejected the speculative short-term loans
offered from outside we had channeled the funds mainly to modernization,
technical and technological re-equipment of production, diversification
of economy and this created the preconditions for strengthening
potential of the country and provided for the guarantees for the future.
Thus, relying on our own capacities, we have chosen a thoroughly thought
out model of development based on which we have embarked on building the
future, and for over the last years we have been conducting the deeply
weighed policy in terms of reforming economy, liberalizing, modernizing
and diversifying it. This has become a firm and reliable barrier from
negative impacts of crises and other threats.
At the same time, all of this in no way speaks about that the global
financial crisis, which acquires ever greater scales, will not have an
impact on our country and will bypass us. It would be the most naïve,
and I would say, the unforgivable delusion as the process of current
development of Uzbekistan as the full-fledged subject of the
international community and global financial and economic market not
only continues, but also will deepen further.
Proceeding from this, as the first signs of crisis have emerged, showing
prudence and taking into account the real situation in the economy, we
have made the necessary preparation and elaborated the timely
large-scale programs to minimize its impacts.
Speaking about the main guidelines and objectives of the adopted
programs, it is necessary to underscore that a special attention is
being paid to alleviating the state of real sector of economy, cutting
taxes and enhancing support on the part of state, encouraging the
production sphere towards fuller meeting of needs and demands of the
domestic market, creating broader opportunities and additional benefits
for the branches that manufacture the consumer goods, developing small
businesses, private entrepreneurship and farming. Another important
point is that development of agricultural sphere, improvement of the
countryside as a leading factor of the country’s development as a whole
has been taken up to the level of priority direction of state policy.
It is also of a special significance the comprehensive stimulating of
the export-oriented enterprises, cutting their tax burden and expanding
their markets.
One of the important aspects of our Anti-crisis program is as follows:
we keep on the focus of our attention the tackling of the most urgent
tasks related to the development of transport routes and communications,
social infrastructure, including the systems of supply of drinking
water, natural gas and electricity, the sphere of services, construction
of new sites at the countryside area, improvement, and creation of new
jobs on this basis.
An important place is reserved in the current program to the issues of
further strengthening the banking, financial and credit systems,
expanding their positive influence on the real sector of economy,
creating the necessary conditions for attracting the foreign
investments, above all, of the direct foreign investments into our
country.
The undertaken anti-crisis measures are already bearing the first but
rather convincing outcomes.
If we refer to the outcomes of the first half of 2009 then it should be
noted the consistent and balanced development of our economy, as well as
the stable growth rates of its indicators. The gross domestic product
has grown by 8,2 percent, the volumes of industrial production – by 9,1
percent, export of goods – by 13,4 percent. The inflation rate did not
exceed 3,5 percent. 530 thousand new jobs have been created in the
country and the real incomes of population have increased by 26 percent.
It is necessary to emphasize that the volume of investments attracted to
develop, modernize, technically and technologically re-equip production,
for over the first six months of this year has grown by 32,7 percent,
including the direct foreign investments – for 2,6 times.
Implementation of the state budget in 2008 and first half of 2009 with
surplus allowed to increase starting from August 1 this year the size of
salary, pensions, stipends and allowances by 25 percent. Taking into
account the real opportunities to additionally increase them by the end
of this year we have all grounds to say that the incomes of population
will exceed those of last year.
At the moment, the international community, and particularly, such
organizations as the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, Asian
Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank, as well as high-profile
international experts and analysts are objectively recognizing and
highly assessing the practical results of the deep and large-scale
reforms being carried out in Uzbekistan.
For example, the international conference dedicated to the global
financial and economic crisis, ways and measures to overcome it in the
conditions of Uzbekistan held in May this year in Tashkent serves as
evidence to the aforesaid.
Yet another confirmation of such recognition became the official
statement of the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund
Mr. Dominique Strauss-Kahn, who has personally learnt about the course
of reforms in our country and emphasized that the economic growth rates
of Uzbekistan in 2009 were one of the highest in the world.
At the moment, we are not only thinking about how to mitigate the
negative impact of crisis, but also accomplishing a serious work to
ensure that in the post-crisis period the economy of Uzbekistan will
become ever stronger, more sustainable and balanced in order to secure
its worthy place in the world market, as well as consistently tackle the
tasks of further increasing the living standards and well being of our
population.
I think, in this context just one example will be enough. As you know,
at the beginning of this year we adopted the Program of measures on
implementing the most important projects on modernization, technical and
technological re-equipment of production for 2009-2014 that envisages
implementation of more than 400 investment projects worth in total 41,4
billion dollars, which witnesses about the scales of our plans.
Along with this, dear friends, today at this time, which determines our
future, when with an aim of gaining by Uzbekistan the deserved place
among developed states we adopt and implement the deeply thought out
programs, our achievements must not immerse us in the state of euphoria
and unconcern. One should not forget that each step along this way
should be made only after comprehensive and thorough analysis.
The aggravating tension that we see in the near and far abroad, the
threats and confrontations, which are still in place in the entire
world, continuing global financial and economic crisis commit us to be
ever more vigilant, careful and make appropriate conclusions on time.
Today, no one – neither well-wishers nor those, who got used to look at
us scornfully, - can deny the fact that thanks to the selfless work,
bravery and steadfastness of our people during the historically short
period of time we have achieved accomplishments which are only possible
for over the centuries.
Traversing very complex and uneasy path, our nation has hardened in
these trials and difficulties, strengthened their will and faith in the
future.
Most importantly, the consciousness and way of thinking, as well as the
worldview of people have radically changed. Today, we are the free
nation, which decides its fate on its own. Being not inferior to anyone
and in anything, we are moving forward in pace with all civilized world.
Now we are not the same as we were in the 90s of the last century. The
feeling of a proprietor, the owner of land, complicity and
responsibility for the ongoing events in the country and worldwide is
ever strengthening in our fellow countrymen.
Such creative and magnanimous people, who deeply realize their identity,
take pride of the fact that they live on the sacred land and are the
descendants of great ancestors, capable to subdue any peaks. I don’t
have any doubts about this.
Today there are all grounds to assert that despite the hardships, tough
trials and obstacles, we have never turned off the chosen path and we
won’t do so in the days to come!
Dear compatriots!
Speaking about the pearl of our Homeland – Tashkent, about the role and
significance of this great city not only for Uzbekistan, but also for
the entire Oriental world, its originality and peculiarities, as many
others, I consider it to be my duty to express my love, my innermost
thoughts and feelings to it.
How many beautiful words have been written about the unique and
wonderful nature of Tashkent, its blossoming gardens and vivifying
springs. Yet in the 15th century the historian Zayniddin Vasifiy fairly
noted that a person, who visits this city, feels himself as if in
heavenly gardens.
The capital of our Homeland – Tashkent, which emerged twenty-two
centuries ago and situated on the crossroads of the Great Silk Road,
thanks to its geographic and geopolitical role and enormous contribution
to the development of the world civilization, which has rightfully
gained the name of the “Gates of the East”, embodies the richest history
and unrepeatable image of the sunny Uzbekistan.
Today, Tashkent is a modern center of the socio-political,
financial-economic and educational-cultural life not only of our
country, but also of the entire region. This is a megalopolis that
possesses the highly developed industry with a strong
transport-communicational and social infrastructure.
This is the city, where the Oriental color, traditional and modern
architecture, as well as values of Islamic culture are uniquely
combined. The beautiful Tashkent is a pride of our multinational people.
It is the symbol of peace and stability.
Our ancient city, which in different times was named Kanka, Binkat,
Mingurik, Chach and Shash, for over its history experienced numerous
trials, turned into ruins many times as a result of invasions of
conquerors, but thanks to enormous diligence, steadfastness and firmness
of people, who lived on this land, it revived anew every time.
While thinking about Tashkent, unwillingly one may ask a question: “Why
this city did emerge exactly on this land, exactly on this area?”
If we summarize the historical sources, which we have today, one should
say, that emergence and development of Tashkent became as a result of
objective historical necessity.
This area, which was mentioned in the Chinese sources of the first
centuries A.D. with a name of ‘Shi’, i.e. “the stone city”, according to
the historians, stands as a dwelling place of one of the most ancient
human settlements in the region.
It is known that in the ancient times the matter of defense and life
support was the most important factor in terms of emergence of cities.
From this point of view, it was not just only by chance that Tashkent
emerged in the oasis surrounded by Chatkal and Kurama mountain chains,
on the banks of deep Syrdarya and Chirchik rivers on the territory with
vast valleys and pastures, rich with flora and fauna, as well as with
deposits of gold, silver, copper, lead and non-ferrous metals.
All these prerequisites served as a favorable foundation for development
since the old times of land farming and cattle breeding, extraction of
metals, weaving, pottery and glassworks, and other crafts. Such modern
names of Tashkent streets, makhallas and guzars as Temirchi that stands
for ‘smith’, misgarlik – ‘copper-smith’, Degrezlik – ‘smelter’, Ukchi –
‘armorer’, Egarchi – ‘saddle-maker’, Takachi – ‘blacksmith’, Mahsiduzlik
– ‘shoemaker’, Kunchilik – ‘fur dresser’ and Parchabof – ‘weaver’ stand
as a striking evidence for the aforesaid.
The historical sources say that weaponry and military equipment, and in
particular, arrows, shields, saddles and harness made by the Tashkent
craftsmen enjoyed a special fame all around the world.
I think it is not difficult to understand that generous and fertile
soil, and most importantly, the heartfelt kindness and magnanimity of
its citizens paved way to emergence of the legendary epithet “Tashkent –
an abundant city” (literally: ‘Tashkent is a city of bread’).
We can speak a lot about uniqueness and peculiarities of our capital –
on how its name, history and fame have been shaped.
But, the main thing is that despite any trials and ordeals, natural
disasters Tashkent has always been rebuilt in the same place. A man, who
has seen the present development of the city, can yet time and again be
convinced in correctness of choice of the place for building the city,
which has proven right for many centuries.
Today, the fact that Tashkent stands in the same territory even after
thousands of years not only amazes but prompts one to pay homage and bow
before the genius of shrewdness of our ancestors, who had laid the
foundations of this city.
Dear friends, imagine that after centuries, millennia, taking into
account the modern knowledge and experience, the achievements of
civilization one would need to choose a place for a city like Tashkent.
There is no doubt that this very location would have been opted for.
This God-blessed land, whose each span maintains a memory of our great
forefathers, has brought up such famous religious scholars of Islamic
world as Imam Kaffal Shashi, Sheikh Havandi Tahur, Hoja Akhror Vali,
Hafiz Kuyki and Sheikh Zaynuddin-bobo, Ibragim-ota and Kuylyuk-ota and
hundreds of other scientists and thinkers, who greatly contributed to
the development of science, culture, enlightenment and who chose
pseudonyms of “Shashi”, “Tashkendi”.
Speaking of Tashkent we, naturally cannot but mention the glorious name
of our great ancestor Amir Temur, who left bright memories in its
history.
Sakhibkiran well understood the crucial importance of Tashkent in
establishing a great and powerful state in Turkistan region and this
city by right became a reliable fortress and outpost of Temurids’ state.
In all times Tashkent has been a hospitable and tolerant city. There are
a lot of historic data on how the trade caravans entered through 12
gates of the city from around the globe and through these gates they
embarked on a journey across the world. Thus, a mutual enrichment of
various civilizations and cultures occurred on this land.
History speaks on the fact that from the old the representatives of
different nations and ethnicities settled in Tashkent, lived side by
side and supported each other. This is proven by the names of blocks and
makhallas (neighborhoods), which developed on the land of Tashkent in
old times – Kashgar, Turaryk, Eron, Nugaytepa, Kazakbazar, Kyrgyzkuprik,
and Tajikmahalla.
In the origins of the name of “Tashkent”, which means “the city solid as
a stone”, undoubtedly a great role belongs to the heroism of its people,
their selflessness in defending their native land, centuries-long
persistent struggle against various intrusions – be that the Mongol or
Arab conquerors.
For over the last one and a half century Tashkent stood at the very
center of great and vital events, often – hard and severe trials.
In the second half of the 19th century it was Tashkent that suffered the
first strikes of tsarist Russia in occupying Middle Asia. The history
witnessed that then the population mobilized all of its forces and
firmly defended its own city.
Tashkent, as much as the entire country, has bravely gone through all
dramatic events of the 20th century, which brought such trials that
befell to its fate, as imposing of the Soviet regime, severe famine and
repressions of 20-30s, hardships of wartime and the earthquake of 1966.
During the years of the World War II Tashkent not only sent hundreds of
thousands of its sons and daughters to the battlegrounds, but sheltered
tens of thousands people evacuated from the front-line territories,
adhering to the noble impulse of the heart “You are not an orphan!”
warmed the children, who lost their parents. One can cite yet many and
many examples, which embody the high humanism and mercy of the citizens
of Tashkent and entire nation, who shared with those in need the last
bite of bread.
Recently, ancient Tashkent was conferred another honorary title – it was
named as the “Capital of Islamic culture”, which became yet another
deserved appraisal of its merits and all our people, who by going
through the stormy whirls of history, was able to preserve their
national and religious values.
Dear friends!
While speaking of our capital, the hearts of both native Tashkentees,
who were born and raised here and newcomers, who settled and found their
happiness in this city, in a word, as our wise people have noted, each
and every person, who tasted the water of Tashkent and breathed its air,
fill with bright memories and feelings related to this city. In this
sense, Tashkent for us is an embodiment of a single Homeland. In a word,
each of us has his own Tashkent, which occupied forever its firm place
in our hearts.
Certainly, today the city has dramatically changed. The old blocks and
narrow streets gave way to modern buildings, beautiful squares, broad
avenues and bridges, as well as the cascades of amazing fountains. But
whatever the good changes there would be, one involuntarily recalls his
childhood, youth, first love, misses those cozy corners, sincere
conversations with kind, openhearted and wise people of Tashkent.
Someone recalls Beshagach square, someone – Arpapoya street or Kukcha
makhalla. Others miss carefree days spent on the banks of Ankhor river
in the company of friends of his young ages.
Speaking of Tashkent we all mention with gratitude the names of Abdulla
Avloniy, Munavvarkory, Abdulla Kodiriy, Oybek, Gafur Gulyam, Zulfiya,
Mirkarim Asim, Said Akhmad, Obid Sodiqov, Sabir Yunusov, Yakhya Gulyamov,
Yunus Rajabiy, Shukur Burkhanov and Ulmas Umarbekov. We can go on this
list of prominent representatives of science and culture, who made
invaluable contribution to the development of spiritual life of our
people.
Along with them, the life and activity of thousands of our famous fellow
countrymen, as well as those, who came to Tashkent from different places
and settled here and fully realized their talent and creative potential,
have become an integral part of history of the city.
Like everybody I recall the old Tashkent with its weeping willows, its
narrow streets, sounds of bells of passing-by tram, houses made of mud,
cozy yards, with the aroma of freshly baked bread and basilica coming
from them. Imagination sometime revives the old squares of Eski Juva,
Chorsu, Khadra, Navoi Street, the old Park of Victory, as well as the
gardens spread on the territory of present Chilanzar prior to the
earthquake.
I am confident that these feelings and memories live today in each of us
and particular this feeling makes our love for Homeland yet stronger.
A special sincerity of the Tashkent people, their open faces and unique
accent took a firm place in my heart. I highly appreciate the noble
human qualities of Tashkent people and always strive to be worth of
them.
Today, the life of the capital is uninterruptedly linked with the life
of the entire country. From Tashkent one can see immense spaciousness of
the Homeland as if you are standing at the top of a mountain.
Figuratively speaking, the Almighty blessed this ancient city to
eminence and created all opportunities for it to become a capital.
They say, that the capital reflects the look of the entire country. In
this context, we can be proud that Tashkent, serving as an example for
all other cities in all terms, embodies the will of our people, their
material and spiritual strength.
Each and every person, who at least once visited the Square of
Independence, which is our pride and place of honor for the entire
nation, understands and realizes this fact.
Wherever we are, whatever country we visit we always miss Tashkent and
rush to return. It is not for nothing that they say that each bird,
which tasted a cornel in Tashkent, will return even from Mecca.
I personally as President have visited many countries. For instance,
recently I had a chance to visit Brazil, which in another part of the
world.
I think you will understand me correctly if I confess that wherever I
go, whatever the beauty of the country is I cannot stay there for more
than two or three days. Some type of great power, probably the divine
one, drives me to my native land, to Tashkent.
I am confident that I will not be wrong if I say that not only me but
many of our fellow countrymen experience this feeling.
Certainly, we all feel proud when we meet thousands and thousands of
people not only in the country but abroad, as well, who used to study in
Tashkent, tasted its bread over the dastarkhan (tablecloth) and have
deep feelings of love and respect towards the city.
Obviously, this generation of youth have their own Tashkent. This city
is associated, above all, with the capital of independent Homeland, with
modern schools, lyceums, colleges and higher educational institutions,
sports facilities, places of culture and spirituality.
Today, Tashkent is turning into a city, which inspires our children in
their noble aspirations, which opens yet new horizons before them, the
city which is literally turning into a city of their dreams and hopes.
Shortly summarizing all the said, we can say that we love and revere in
the image of Tashkent the native Uzbekistan and in the image of entire
Uzbekistan – Tashkent, glorious capital of our Homeland.
There is a deep meaning and big responsibility in the notion of
“resident of capital”. Therefore, the people, who deeply realize this
special honor and every day prove in practice their right to this proud
title, deserve a high respect.
I admire selflessness and sincerity, openness and generosity of people
of Tashkent, those people, who transform their native city, highly value
this sacred land.
Dear fellow countrymen!
Now I want to proceed to fulfilling my honorable and joyful mission.
As you know, for substantial contribution in establishing the national
statehood, constructing the independent law-governed democratic state,
consolidating peace and stability, developing the interstate
cooperation, friendship between the peoples, in recognition of the
enormous merits in preserving the kind traditions, raising the level of
cultural, spiritual life and education, upbringing the young generation
in the spirit of love to Homeland, national and universal values and on
the occasion of the 2200th anniversary the city of Tashkent was awarded
the “Mustakillik” Order.
Allow me to present this high award to the capital of Uzbekistan.
Dear people of Tashkent, dear friends!
In these joyful and unforgettable moments once again congratulating each
and every one of you on today’s holiday, I wish all of you prosperity,
sound health and many successes.
Taking this opportunity, I express a sincere and profound gratitude to
the international institution of UNESCO, diplomats and employees of
foreign missions, to all our friends and partners from near and far
countries, who are sharing our today’s joy.
Let the fame of Tashkent, which embodies our pride, remain and multiply
in centuries!
Let the happiness and prosperity of our people – the creator of such
great cities as Tashkent - be eternal!
Let success always accompany us in all our noble endeavors!
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