Uzbeks love to hold festive events and know how to do it. Hospitality, friendliness and goodwill are some of the many wonderful features of the Uzbek people. Apparently, this is why the national tourism industry developed so rapidly after Shavkat Mirziyoyev took over as the head of Uzbekistan. Then the country opened up to the world, showing its beautiful face to all of humanity.

A little more than thirty years ago, on August 31, 1991, the state independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan was proclaimed. At the same time, the date of Independence Day was set for September 1. In Uzbekistan, this holiday is a day off and is widely celebrated throughout the country at a high state level.

This year, Independence Day of Uzbekistan fell on Monday, but festive events throughout the country began several days earlier.

From Friday to Monday inclusive, mass public festivities took place throughout Uzbekistan – fireworks, concerts, holiday programs, performances by popular artists and musical ensembles, as well as fairs where one could purchase works of decorative and applied arts, crafts, and funny souvenir figurines of Uzbek aksakals with invariable smiles on their good-natured faces.

This holiday was also celebrated in Turkmenistan. In Ashgabat, the ceremonial events took place at the Yildiz Hotel, approaching which I involuntarily witnessed a conversation between two vacationers:

– What holiday is celebrated in Turkmenistan today? - one asked the other.

– The Turkmen people have a big holiday today - Independence Day of Uzbekistan!

– ???

– The point is that the Turkmen and Uzbeks are brother nations. And in life it happens this way: when someone in the family has a personal holiday, for example, a birthday, then his brothers rejoice even more than the birthday boy himself! And so, it is among different nations - if they are truly brother nations, then they celebrate and have fun together.

…Numerous guests gathered at the Ashgabat hotel for the festive event organized by the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Turkmenistan, including ambassadors of many countries, businessmen of the two countries, famous cultural figures and masters of art, and a large number of friends.

Among the guests was Mrs. Faryal Leghari, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Pakistan, who recently joined the diplomatic corps accredited in Turkmenistan.

And the day before, she held her first event on the Turkmen land as an ambassador here at the Yildiz Hotel. It was a wonderful evening dedicated to the music and culinary traditions of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, as ORIENT wrote about.

At the entrance to the hotel, guests were greeted with fanfares - powerful sounds produced by musicians from long wind pipes - karnays, intertwined with the cheerful rhythm of the doira, creating a lively musical corridor and a truly fabulous atmosphere of oriental bazaars and majestic palaces. This was not just a meeting, it was an invitation to the world of Uzbek hospitality, where every sound and every gesture foreshadowed an unforgettable evening full of vivid impressions.

In the foyer, the organizers arranged a small exhibition, where richly decorated national costumes, gift carpets and ceramics, tastefully decorated with well-recognizable traditional patterns, as well as printed publications about modern Uzbekistan and much more were presented.

The guests were sincerely glad to see each other. In our fast-paced times, when business meetings and quick calls often replace live communication, such receptions acquire special value. They become a rare opportunity for informal dialogue, strengthening personal connections and exchanging opinions, which is no less important than official negotiations. Joyful smiles, friendly hugs and handshakes reminded us that in the era of speed and digital communications, real human contact remains the most important resource, including for professional connections.

The evening was given a special color by the fact that many guests came with their entire families, paying tribute to the hosts by wearing national costumes. This created an amazing effect: the eternal beauty of traditional authentic motifs harmoniously combined with an elegant diplomatic dress code and modern fashion accessories, emphasizing the richness and versatility of the cultural dialogue and clearly demonstrating that the national heritage is always relevant and can inspire.

Then the official opening of the celebration took place. The National Anthems of the two friendly states were played, after which Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan Ravshanbek Alimov made a speech.

The Diplomat warmly welcomed the guests and thanked them for sharing this holiday with him. In his speech, he emphasized that Independence Day is "a sacred and truly most important holiday for every citizen of Uzbekistan," symbolizing freedom, sovereignty and the people's strong will to create.

The Ambassador noted that within the framework of the concept of the New Uzbekistan, under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, large-scale reforms aimed at improving the well-being of the people are being carried out in the country. "The construction of the New Uzbekistan, based on the principle of "In the name of the honor and dignity of man, in the name of his happiness," has in fact turned into a nationwide movement," he emphasized.

Speaking about foreign policy, the Ambassador of Uzbekistan stated that his country has established itself as a reliable partner, consistently pursuing a policy of good-neighborliness and openness. He particularly noted that relations with the Central Asian states have reached a qualitatively new level, "strengthening in the spirit of centuries-old ties of friendship and good-neighborliness, strategic partnership and mutual trust."

According to him, thanks to the political will of the leaders of the countries of the region, Central Asia is today turning into "a space of trust, sustainable development and good-neighborliness, where special importance is attached to mutual support and joint solution of common problems."

The Ambassador paid special attention to relations with Turkmenistan in his speech. He emphasized that both countries and their peoples are united by centuries-old historical and cultural ties, as well as the similarity of language and traditions.

"Thanks to the strong political will of the leaders of our countries - President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, respected Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov - cooperation between our countries has reached a completely new qualitative level of strategic partnership," he said.

The Ambassador also noted that mutual trade turnover has already exceeded the mark of 1 billion dollars and is planned to reach 2 billion dollars in the near future. He highlighted such important joint projects as the creation of the Shavat-Dashoguz Border Trade Zone, interregional cooperation and the Business Council.

Emphasizing the importance of cultural dialogue, he recalled the opening of the Tashkent Park in Ashgabat and the Ashgabat Park in Tashkent, which, according to him, "created a kind of portal of friendship and strengthening of people's diplomacy."

Concluding his speech, the Ambassador once again emphasized that the reception is an excellent opportunity to reaffirm the common commitment of the two countries to the "ideals of peace, good neighborliness and sustainable development for the benefit of future generations."

A representative of Turkmenistan, Deputy Prime Minister Nokerguly Atagulyev, delivered a response speech, congratulating the Ambassador and all those gathered on Independence Day on behalf of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and the entire Turkmen people. He noted that both countries are united by centuries-old ties of friendship, cultural and spiritual closeness, as well as common language, history, traditions and customs. He expressed satisfaction with the grandiose transformations that are being carried out in the fraternal country and confirmed that Turkmenistan fully supports the constructive domestic and foreign policies of Uzbekistan.

The Deputy Prime Minister named the impressive growth in mutual trade volumes as one of the main indicators of the positive dynamics of bilateral cooperation, citing specific figures as an example: 2019 - $379.4 million, 2023 - $582.3 million, 2024 - $741.7 million. That is, over the past five years, this figure has increased by more than 195%.

In his speech, the Deputy Prime Minister also highlighted the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, which serves as an effective mechanism for discussing important issues; joint projects in the transport and logistics sector, which are aimed at creating new corridors linking Central Asia with world markets.

And then the holiday turned into friendly communication, accompanied by treats from traditional cuisine of the people, the king of the festive dastarkhan was the unique taste of Uzbek pilaf.

All this was accompanied by fiery music, songs and dances performed by Uzbek and Turkmen artists. Their performances, filled with national color and warmth, became a bright symbol of friendship and cultural brotherhood uniting the two nations.

The mini-concert captured the guests' attention so much that the boundaries between the artists and the audience dissolved. The music seemed to erase the invisible line dividing the improvised stage and the auditorium. As a result, the "spectators" themselves became part of the performance, joining in the dance and filling the evening with spontaneous, sincere joy.

And such universal joy was not only welcomed, but also actively encouraged by Ambassador Ravshanbek Azadbekovich himself. His cordiality and openness reflected the nature of the entire event. This evening, organized by the Uzbek diplomatic mission, became a vivid testimony to the fact that the Uzbek people not only know how and love to celebrate, but also generously share their joy, strengthening the bridges of friendship and mutual understanding with numerous friends and brother nations.

Of course, the leaders of the two states play a special role in strengthening and developing friendly relations between our countries, which was appreciated by both sides.

Thus, on August 5 of this year, in the Avaza National Tourist Zone, during the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev was awarded the Order of Turkmenistan "For Contribution to the Development of Cooperation".

The head of Uzbekistan was awarded this high award for his personal contribution to the development of bilateral friendly relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan, strengthening friendship, brotherhood and mutually beneficial cooperation between the Turkmen and Uzbek peoples, as well as increasing the international authority of our country through his state and public activities.

And a few months earlier in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was solemnly presented with the highest state award of the Republic of Uzbekistan – the Order of Oliy Darajali Dustlik.

So, happy holiday to you, brother nations!

Bekdurdy AMANSARYEV

Uzbekistan celebrated the holiday with a renewed economy, a growing social base and a clear vision of the future

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized in his holiday address that the country is confidently demonstrating growth: the economy is growing by more than 6% per year, GDP has reached $115 billion and could reach $130 billion by 2025. Exports have exceeded $26 billion, and gold and foreign exchange reserves have reached $48 billion.

The main driver of change has been the private sector, providing jobs for millions of citizens. Over the years of reform, millions of jobs have been created, and hundreds of thousands of compatriots have returned from abroad. Over $130 billion in investment has been attracted to the economy, and tourism is actively developing: more than 10 million guests visited the country in 2024.

Large-scale changes are also taking place in the social sphere. The poverty level has been reduced to 6.8% against 35% several years ago. The education system is improving: pre-school education covers almost 80% of children, the number of students in universities has increased several times. An unprecedented amount of money has been invested in healthcare, which has already increased life expectancy to 75 years.

The country's energy agenda is focused on a "green" future: the share of renewable sources has already reached 30%, and more than half is planned by 2030. Large-scale housing construction is underway, new industrial enterprises are being created.

In the international arena, Uzbekistan is confidently strengthening its role as a center of regional diplomacy, developing multi-vector ties - from Central Asia to Europe, the USA and the Middle East.

In other words, independence has become a time of creation and growth for the country. Today's Uzbekistan is demonstrating to the world an example of dynamic development, relying on a rich heritage and striving for the future.