Dear compatriots!

Distinguished guests!

Today we are celebrating the unforgettable historical event in the life of our country - the twenty-first anniversary of Independence Day of Uzbekistan.

I am enormously happy to congratulate you from the bottom of my heart my dear compatriots, and in your person, our entire nation on this sublime date which our people strove and longed for over a span of centuries and which is truly the greatest and dearest holiday for all of us - the Independence Day of Uzbekistan.

I do believe that time and centuries will pass. However, this glorious holiday, which allowed us to regain our self-consciousness, human dignity and self-esteem, and returned to us the right to take responsibility for our Homeland, mother tongue, sacred religion, customs and traditions, shall eternally be enshrined as golden pages in the history of our Homeland.

Dear compatriots!

It is obvious that twenty-one years is a very short period of time in the history of mankind and establishment of states in the world map. But for over the span of this time our Uzbekistan, no doubt, has traversed the path equal to hundreds of years.

Having totally denied the old despotic regime, its influence and ideology, we had put an end to the period of dependence and subjection. Since that time we have been clearly demonstrating that from once a poor country unable to maintain itself Uzbekistan today finds its commendable place among independent and sovereign nations, relies on its own might and potential, is capable to defend its frontiers, peaceful and tranquil life of its citizens, secures a worthy place in the international community and shows fast and consistent growth rates.

Today no one can deny that the international community recognizes our successful movement towards our great objective - to join the ranks of modern developed democratic states, build a civil society, modernize our life and diversify our economy. And no one can deny the fact that the potential of our Homeland, our material, economic and intellectual might continues growing, our towns and villages are changing and ever prospering.

It is not difficult to refer to the data which confirms this very truth that astonishes many people.

Thus, during the years of independence the economy of Uzbekistan grew nearly 3,7 times. The real income of our population per capita rose 7 times. The average pension increased nearly 9 times and monthly wage - 18 times. The life expectancy of our people increased on average to 7 years. We are self-sufficient in fuel and grain, meat, milk and other consumer goods. All of these facts serve as an obvious confirmation of the aforesaid.

It wouldn\\\\\\\'t be any mistake to say that all of this stands as a practical result of the very principle that we have been realizing since the early years of independence: \\\\\\\"The reforms are not for the sake of reforms, but firstly for the people\\\\\\\".

By now the indicator of the volume of housing grew nearly 2 times, 98,5 percent of families own houses or apartments and 97,b percent of rural population has a plot of land. We consider this as an outcome of implementation of appropriate national programs.Twenty-one years ago just one out of ten families owned a car and today every third family has an automobile and every third of our compatriot uses the Internet. This demonstrates the increasing well-being of our people and shows how free their life is.

In this regard, it is worth giving one more example.

The ongoing financial-economic crisis remains to be the acute and toughest problem throughout the world and raises a huge concern in all countries. Despite this, for over the last 7 years Uzbekistan, among few countries in the world, has been showing on average 8-8,5 percent economic growth rate and this serves as a striking evidence of the fact that the potential of our country has been steadily growing.

All of us should accept the achievements secured along the way of developing our Homeland as initial steps and deeply realize the following truth.

Today only a state that is capable to meet bitter demands of the rapidly changing globalization period and withstand ever intensifying tough competition in the world market, resolutely advances ahead and employs a long-term strategy of progress can achieve its noble goals along the immense path of development.

Taking into account these particular strict requirements placed now by the time, our priority tasks are to consistently continue the work that we have started, take up to a new level the processes of renewing and modernizing our country, deepening the democratic reforms and liberalizing all aspects of our society, as well as to further increase the living standards.

We should never forget that safeguarding as an apple of an eye peace and tranquility, mercy and kindness, civil and interethnic accord and harmony in our society, which we perceive as a priceless wealth, must always remain in the focus of our attention.

Today\\\\\\\'s turbulent and complex world, the long-lasting conflicts and confrontation in our near and far neighborhood and the region, as well as ever aggravating situation require us to live always alert, always vigilant, watchful and attentive, avert any evil that poses a threat to our security.

As we assess our work accomplished along the path of independent development and totally changed our consciousness and life, it is worth noting that it wasn\\\\\\\'t easy to secure such a progress and achievements.

I wish we never forget that along this path to overcome difficult and dangerous trials, barriers and obstacles our people didn\\\\\\\'t bend to various evil and violent actions, didn\\\\\\\'t abandon their faith. We have reached these radiant days thanks to their diligence, courage and steadfastness.

Nowadays we still witness that some forces attempt to sow doubt on our chosen way, to lead astray the youth which didn\\\\\\\'t eyewitness the bygone days and lack experience, to falsify the meaning and essence of our sovereignty, as well as try to take us back to old patterns of life and dependence.

However, those forces ought to realize one truth. Today we are not the people of the bygone 90s anymore, we are not quite naive and lacking any political experience.

Today we are the people, who have grown stronger through profound difficulties and trials in the years of independence, with growing worldview, political and civic experience, and social activeness. Speaking in the Uzbek manner, today we are the nation capable to discern the good from the evil.

Our people, above all, our young generation that has matured during the twenty-one years and has an independent thinking and advancing mindset looks at our bright future with a big confidence and shall never, and I repeat, shall never retreat from the chosen path.

We must always keep in the focus of our attention the following priorities: marching in step with the world community to ever strengthen friendship, cooperation and mutually beneficial relations with near and far foreign states, further expand favorable business climate and privileged conditions in our country to attract foreign investments and cutting-edge technologies, and to take up to a new level the partnership relations with friendly states.

Taking this opportunity, allow me on your behalf and on behalf of our entire nation to express gratitude to ambassadors of foreign states, representatives of international organizations and all our guests who are present in this sublime venue for joining our today\\\\\\\'s festivities.

In this splendid moment I would like to address to our youth who is our buttress and hope:

My dear children, never forget:

You are the ancestors of great forefathers!

You are the inheritors of a rare and unmatched heritage!

My dear children, believe in your own power and fervor, knowledge and talents, the might of our great Homeland and strive to greater horizons!

Each and every victory of yours is a victory of our nation, victory of Uzbekistan!

My dear compatriots!

Embracing all of you and sincerely congratulating once again on the holiday of Independence, I wish you a sound health, happiness and luck, as well as many blessings and abundance to your households.

This day we send many thanks to our Creator who blesses us with these happy days and supports in our noble deeds.

May our Homeland be peaceful and our nation be safe!

May our Independence be eternal! (Source: Press service of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan)