The Embassy of Uzbekistan in Washington, DC, organized a grand reception dedicated to celebrating the 21st anniversary of independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan on September 6, 2012.

More than 300 guests - representatives of diplomatic, business, scientific, cultural and educational community, as well as Uzbek diaspora attended this event. Among them Robert Blake, Assistant Secretary of State for Central and South Asia, Karolyn Lamm, Chairman of American-Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce, Major General Augustos Kollins, Adjutant General of Mississippi National Guard, Major General Donald Rutherford, Chief of Chaplains of the United States Army, David Sedney, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense and others.

In his opening speech Ambassador Nematov noted that «over the 21 years of independence the government of Uzbekistan has accomplished large-scale political, economic, and cultural reforms on the basis of the Uzbek model of national development which was conceived by Islam Karimov, the President of Uzbekistan. Today, the outcomes of the reforms show that the Uzbek model has been wholly justified. One of the primary achievements since independence was to preserve peace and harmony among the country’s various ethnic groups».

«We have achieved significant progress in reforming our economic system through diversification of economy, modernization of industry, and increase of export potential. The average GDP growth for the last seven years is seven to eight percent. In the years of independence, great attention has also been given to our country’s cultural and historical revival. We have also restored our ancient history, culture, traditions, and our nation’s identity and dignity» - he stressed.

Ambassador Nematov also emphasized the increased dialogue between Uzbekistan and the United States, on the basis of a strong and enduring partnership. As he said, the exchange of messages between the two presidents—Islam Karimov and Barack Obama—in June of this year has made a great impact on the strengthening of bilateral relations between our countries.

«Recent political consultations held last month in Tashkent and the business forum, attended by more than 70 representatives from 25 America’s largest companies, demonstrated strong interest and tremendous opportunities for both sides to strengthen political dialogue and expand economic and cultural cooperation between our countries» - he concluded.

Speaking on behalf of the U.S. administration, Assistant Secretary Blake said that «it is a great honor to represent President Obama and Secretary Clinton at this very important Anniversary of Uzbekistan’s Independence. As someone who is benefited a great deal from the friendship and hospitality of the Uzbek people, I extend my warm congratulations on Independence Day».

As he pointed out, «we have very strong relationship between the US and Uzbekistan. In the last three years we have made a great deal progress to strengthen, widen and deepen our cooperation in many areas. We have been working to help stabilize Afghanistan as our countries prepare for important transition in 2014. Our two countries are working together to enhance border security, counterterrorism and counternarcotics efforts. We are working to enhance cooperation in areas, such as science and technology based on the Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation, signed by Secretary Clinton during her visit to Tashkent. We are also working together in the energy sector, promotion human rights and democracy, and strengthening regional integration, on which depends the future of Central Asia and Afghanistan. We look forward to continuing this momentum and supporting American-Uzbek bilateral relations».

Frederick Starr, Chairman of Central Asia and Caucasus Institute, in his interview noted: «It is my delight, my pleasure, my honor to congratulate Uzbekistan on this National day and on its two decades of Independence and success as a rapidly emerging and successfully developing country. Uzbekistan has defined its own path, some agree and some disagree with that, but it has been on the whole a successful path».

«Uzbekistan has invested heavily in education, especially in new vocational – technical schools, which I greatly admire. And these investments will be paid off. In a longer perspective people of Uzbekistan can look forward to a very successful future» - he added.

David Mao, Law Librarian of Congress, said that «I am so delighted to be here at the Uzbekistan Embassy tonight to help celebrate 21st anniversary of Independence of Uzbekistan. I want to wish all of you congratulations on behalf of the Library of Congress.

I believe that our relations it is going forward and just continuing to grow, especially on the cultural aspect. We continue to work with Uzbekistan in showcasing all of its arts and crafts and literally traditions in our collections».

A photo exhibition showcasing the historical and cultural heritage, traditions and nature of Uzbekistan was organized during the event together with the «Forum of Culture and Arts of Uzbekistan Foundation».

Official reception was accompanied by concert performances by Honored Artist of Uzbekistan, singer Firuza Latipova and folk dance group of the Uzbek diaspora in the United States.