COMMITMENT TO THE IDEALS OF INDEPENDENCE

Guseyn Guliyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to Uzbekistan, has congratulated the people of Uzbekistan on the upcoming Independence Day. The diplomat noted that for 25 years of sovereign development, Uzbekistan has formed the foundation of the new national statehood, established the bases for a democratic state with the rule of law and a robust civil society.

“Mister Ambassador, economic development is one of the most critical challenges faced by any government. What measures, in your opinion, are providing for positive dynamics of the Uzbek economy?”

“During the years of independence, Uzbekistan has undertaken administrative reforms, namely, implemented modernization and renewal of the institutions of state governance and management bodies, reorganized local government. Due to the fundamental transformation of the social and political system, the efforts served to accelerate sustainable development of the country, form the foundation of national statehood, and establish the foundations of a democratic state ruled with law and a robust civil society.

The achievements are primarily the result of promptly started balanced, comprehensively thought out, long-term calculated policy of reforming, liberalization and modernization of the economy, diversification of its structure.

Elaborated by President Islam Karimov, the Uzbek model of transition to a socially-oriented free market economy has fully justified itself in practice. It is no secret that many countries around the world learn the Uzbek experience in this area, including the anti-crisis program to prevent and neutralize the effects of the global financial and economic crisis.

In my view, important factors in the growth of the Uzbek economy are the extensive attraction of investments to the economy, the expansion of the capacities and volumes of exports, and the sound monetary policy.”

“What is your view of the social development in Uzbekistan?”

“In accordance with the tradition, each year in Uzbekistan is dedicated to a certain social direction, whereby that particular sector receives extensive and effective measures. At the initiative of the head of state, the year 2016 was declared as the one of Healthy Mother and Child. The state has once again demonstrated its commitment to potent social policy and the principle that “human being is the highest value”.

Considering that a healthy and happy family is the foundation of a strong future, this factor is given a priority of values in social policy. I am confident that the state program will allow for reaching new frontiers in this area.”

“Uzbekistan is home to representatives of more than 130 ethnic and sub-ethnic groups. What influences the promotion of the atmosphere of tolerance in the society?”

“Having said that Uzbekistan is home to representatives of more than 130 ethnic groups, you have answered your own question. Uzbekistan is a multiethnic and multi-religious country, where representatives of various ethnic groups live in peace and harmony. Achieving this level of quality is the natural result of ethnic policy course adopted by your country’s leadership and based on humanism and universal values.

For example, according to official statistics, about 40 thousand Azerbaijanis live in Uzbekistan. They are present in almost all regions of the country: in Bukhara, Kashkadarya, Navoi, Samarkand, Syrdarya, Ferghana provinces. It is encouraging that they contribute to the advancement of the economy, manufacturing industry, science and culture.

“How do you assess the current state of cooperation between our countries?”

– After gaining independence, Uzbekistan earned a commendable place in the world. With its powerful human and resource potential, the republic has become a central state in the region, without which no important issue can be addressed.

The relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan have been developing dynamically, effectively and efficiently. Today, 25 years later, they can be characterized as a strategic partnership.

Azerbaijan is grateful to Uzbekistan for its active support in the election of our country to the non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council. We, for our part, have always supported and will support Uzbekistan in all international organizations.

Taking this opportunity, I convey the fraternal people of Uzbekistan my warmest wishes on the occasion of Independence Day! I sincerely wish you good luck in the upcoming endeavors, as well as happiness, peace, prosperity, well-being and warmth to each family!

THE NEWSPAPER "UZBEKISTAN TODAY"