The people who have managed to turn time into opportunity, opportunity into success, and success into the foundation of development, are a great people

Celebrations on the occasion of the thirty-second anniversary of the state independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan were held in Tashkent on August 31.

The event was attended by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The Head of State congratulated our people on this significant event.

The leader of our country noted that over the past time, Uzbekistan, having hardened in the trials on the path traveled and gained the necessary experience, has formed as a sovereign state with its own specific goals, course and position.

– Your daily work, filled with love and devotion to the Motherland, serves to further strengthen the independence of Uzbekistan. In this sense, it would be correct to say that Independence Day is our common holiday, and independent Uzbekistan is our common pride and honor," Shavkat Mirziyoyev said.

Of course, the path of our people to sovereignty and current prosperity was not easy. The political and educational aspirations of our ancestors in this direction have been gaining strength over the past century and a half. The heroes of the nation who aspired to freedom were repressed. Thanks to independence, their good name is restored.

Before independence, the land, the strength, the entire potential of our people were put at the service of agriculture. The word "Uzbek" was associated only with those who work day and night in the cotton fields. The cotton policy has dried up the Aral Sea, led to a crisis in our ecosystem, disabled our economy and education system.

Today, the principles of a market economy have been introduced in cotton growing, forced and child labor have been eradicated. The teacher returned to school, the doctor to the hospital, Uzbekistan was excluded from the international "black lists".

It's no secret that political independence is based primarily on economic independence. The large-scale work carried out in recent years and the results achieved serve as a solid foundation for its strengthening. A clear confirmation is that over the past six years, the country's gross domestic product has grown by more than 1.5 times, the number of business entities has increased by 2 times, industrial growth has exceeded 40 percent.

– However, we need to compare today not with yesterday, but with tomorrow, and organize work based on this. After all, the future begins with the steps we are taking now," the President said.

It was emphasized that education is the basis of progress, and the work done in this area was noted.  

– The three-thousand-year history of our statehood testifies that our ancestors have always made a huge contribution to the development of world civilization not only with their physical labor, but also with intellectual activity.

We are the descendants of great personalities who have enriched the world not only with material resources, but above all with the fruits of science, enlightenment, and spiritual values. Undoubtedly, the high qualities inherent in them, the glorious traditions created by them still live in our hearts, consciousness, and are present in our daily life.

And I am convinced that we are able to continue this historic path with dignity," the head of state noted.

In his speech, the President drew public attention to the important tasks facing our country today. These are environmental problems, an accelerated transition to an economy that is careful of water, energy and other natural resources, and the creation of innovative manufacturing enterprises.

– We should never forget that natural resources are wealth belonging to future generations. Therefore, we need to use them wisely, thinking not only about today, but also about tomorrow," Shavkat Mirziyoyev said.

Another important task of ours is to create equal opportunities for women in all spheres of society. Speaking about this, the President quoted the words of the great ancestor-educator Abdurauf Fitrat: "Women are the mothers of the nation."

It was noted that humanity has faced severe trials in recent years, and united nations with strong will can develop steadily in such conditions.

– Every citizen of Uzbekistan should consider it his vital duty to ensure the unity of our people, the integrity of the country. Only united – we are one people, only together – we are a strong country! – said the President.

The head of Uzbekistan stressed that our peace-loving people will develop relations of friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation with the states of the near and far abroad.

It was noted that no matter how important and difficult the upcoming tasks may be, we all have enough strength and opportunities to solve them together.

– As history shows, the people who managed to turn time into opportunity, opportunity into success, and success into the foundation of development, are a great people. Today, our hardworking, courageous and noble people show exactly such qualities," the head of state said.

The President expressed gratitude to all compatriots, to all our people who selflessly work on this path.

– Long live our people – the creator of all our achievements! May peace and tranquility always reign in our beautiful country! May the Almighty always protect our Homeland! May our independence be eternal! – the President concluded his speech with these words.

The celebration continued with a grand concert program. It reflects the dreams of our ancestors about freedom, the sense of happiness of gaining independence, confident movement into the future and the hopes of our people. The memory of the brave sons who died in the name of the peaceful life of the country is honored. The rich art and values of our people are vividly manifested in classical songs and melodies, and the unique synergy of different cultures in Uzbekistan is reflected in the performances of folklore and ethnographic collectives.

The celebrations were broadcast live on television and via the Internet.