President of Uzbekistan Congratulates Fellow Citizens on the Day of Friendship of Peoples

Dear compatriots!
I sincerely and wholeheartedly congratulate you — representatives of more than 130 nationalities and ethnic groups living in our country as one united and friendly family — and, through you, our entire multiethnic nation on the occasion of July 30 — the Day of Friendship of Peoples. I extend to all of you my deep respect and warmest wishes.

It is certainly noteworthy that the ethnic diversity preserved on our land since ancient times — a unique social phenomenon — is acquiring new meaning and substance, continuity and tradition in today’s New Uzbekistan.

I believe you will agree that it is largely thanks to this diversity that peace, friendship, kindness, and harmony prevail in our country, and that the honor, dignity, and happiness of every individual are held in the highest regard.

Dear friends,
We have defined the development of interethnic relations as a priority area in building a democratic, law-governed state and a free civil society, recognizing it as an essential factor for peace and stability, and we are implementing extensive practical measures in this direction.

First and foremost, state policy in this sphere has been fundamentally improved, and its legal and institutional foundations have been significantly strengthened.
Most importantly, effective cooperation has been established between governmental and non-governmental organizations. Their resources have been consolidated, and broad, systematic efforts are being carried out.

Let me give one example. The 157 national cultural centers, 42 friendship societies, and more than 100 associations of compatriots abroad actively working together with government institutions are achieving significant and positive results. They are strengthening the atmosphere of friendship and tolerance in Uzbekistan, promoting harmony between national and universal values, advancing comprehensive cultural and educational ties with foreign countries, and developing public diplomacy.

We are truly proud of our compatriots — representatives of different ethnicities — who, through their honest work and patriotic dedication, are making invaluable contributions to enhancing the socio-economic potential of our nation. They conscientiously serve in responsible positions in state and public institutions and are honored with high awards of the Motherland for their dedicated service.
As we all know, among them are members of parliament and the senate, renowned industrial workers, entrepreneurs, educators, medical professionals, scientists, cultural and literary figures, artists, and athletes.

These fellow citizens, who have tied their fate and future to Uzbekistan, also contribute to strengthening friendship and cooperation between their historical homelands and our country.

National cultural centers actively participate in the celebration of Navruz and Independence Day — holidays that have become truly nationwide and dearly cherished by all of us — as well as in other mass public events.

It should be emphasized that today’s celebration — the Day of Friendship of Peoples — is yet another valuable opportunity to vividly showcase the rich culture, traditions, and customs of our people, which embody the ideals of peace, friendship, and kindness.

Indeed, one of our collective achievements in recent years has been the elevation of friendly relations with the brotherly countries of our region to a new level, thanks to our firm political will. This has brought about the emergence of a new concept and reality in world politics — the “Central Asian Spirit.”
In this regard, the inauguration of the “Friendship” stele in March of this year at the tripoint border of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan serves as further confirmation of the strengthening good-neighborly relations and strategic partnership among our nations.

Dear compatriots!
In today's challenging times, as ethnic and religious conflicts continue in various parts of the world, we will persist — guided by the principle of a unified Uzbekistan — in consistently working to further strengthen our greatest asset: peace and stability in the country, an atmosphere of mutual respect and harmony, and the upbringing of our youth in the spirit of national and universal values. We are committed to educating young people with deep knowledge, modern professions, and inclusive outlooks.

We will mobilize all available resources to enhance the protection of the rights and interests of representatives of all nationalities and religious communities who proudly call themselves citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan, as well as our compatriots abroad — all in line with the Constitution and the rule of law.

I am confident that you, my dear friends, will continue to work with dedication, applying all your strength, knowledge, experience, talent, and professionalism toward further increasing the economic might of our country and elevating its standing and reputation on the international stage.

Once again, I sincerely congratulate all of you on this wonderful holiday.

I wish you good health, new successes in your noble endeavors for the country’s development, and happiness, prosperity, and well-being for your families and homes.

May our beloved Uzbekistan always flourish!

Shavkat Mirziyoyev
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan