Festive congratulation of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces on the occasion of the 29th anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Day of defenders of Motherland

Dear soldiers and sergeants, officers and generals!

Veterans of our Armed Forces!

Dear compatriots!

First of all, I would like to sincerely congratulate you, dear people, and through you, all of our nation on the 29th anniversary of the establishment of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Day of Defenders of Motherland.

It makes all of us glad that this holiday has become a truly national holiday, a symbol of the high traits of our people, such as patriotism, courage and bravery.

It should be noted that the strength of our national army lies in the unity and solidarity of our courageous and mature servicemen with our tolerant and noble people. Today we can feel this truth more deeply than ever before.

I am confident that with such a great source of spiritual power, no evil force can threaten the independence of our Motherland, the peaceful and serene life of our people, nor turn us back from the path of our democratic reforms.

We are genuinely proud of our brave and courageous soldiers – the valorous sons of our Motherland, who are faithful to their sacred oath and perform their duties with honor, bоth on earth and in heaven.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude to the parents of the fearless and truly patriotic soldiers and officers serving in our Armed Forces, as well as to their kind and patient wives who share all the joys and worries of military life with their spouses.

You embody the great spiritual force that stands as a mountain base for our national army. On this great holiday, we once again acknowledge with great pleasure that you, too, have made a worthy contribution to strengthening the defense of our Motherland.

Dear friends!

Four years ago, we identified the most important and priority areas for radical reform of the military construction sector in Uzbekistan. On this basis, we are carrying out large-scale work to strengthen the defense capabilities of our country and contribute to the development of our Armed Forces.

In the past short period, a new Defense Doctrine has been adopted, the composition and functions of military structures have been thoroughly revised, the command and control system has been improved, and extremely important projects have been implemented to provide our national army with modern weapons and equipment.

For the first time in our history, a unique system – the military-administrative sectors – were created. This method of operation has allowed to actively involve local authorities in strengthening the defense of our country. Most importantly, it serves to put into practice the great idea that “the army and the people are one body and one soul”.

As a result of such efforts, today the Armed Forces of Uzbekistan are a true guarantee of the independence of our country, the reliable protection of the peace and tranquility of our people.

Most importantly, our national army has become the pillar and backbone of the nation capable of dealing with any threat and danger, and an important institution for educating young people and military servicemen in the spirit of patriotism and loyalty.

Certainly, 2020 was a year of serious tests for our country, just like for all countries around the world. We have faced the threat of a coronavirus pandemic, as well as unexpected natural and man-made disasters in Bukhara and Syrdarya regions.

In such a critical situation, our Armed Forces upheld the noble call of our great ancestor Amir Temur: “It is your true duty to be a helping hand for the nation”.

We all note with deep gratitude that they have become closer to our people, enhanced mobilization and fulfilled the important tasks set before them in a short period of time.

It is especially commendable that in this process, our military doctors and servicemen, law enforcement officers and rescue workers have shown a true example of courage, bravery and high professionalism.

In such a difficult situation, the establishment of the Military Medical Academy of the Armed Forces will allow us to quickly and efficiently address the pressing challenges facing us in the protection of public health and life.

This new academy, which is unique in our region, serves to train highly qualified and specialized personnel in the field of military medicine, primarily involved in emergency response.

The innovative developments in line with world standards, as well as training and laboratory rooms based on advanced technologies and the most modern material and technical resources are being created at the Academy.

The measures taken to improve the organizational structure of our national army have allowed to further increase the combat readiness, military strength and capacity of the troops.

Our brave and courageous sons are proving that they are worthy successors of our great ancestors, demonstrating their will to victory in international military training, army and sports competitions, never giving up on the servicemen of the world’s leading countries.

Distinguished compatriots!

Despite the impact of the global economic crisis, we are consistently proceeding with our systematic work on the social support of our servicemen and their families, the improvement of military camps, the construction of modern infrastructure in them.

In addition, many new jobs have been created for family members of servicemen. More than 3,000 military retirees have been employed. More than a thousand children of servicemen have received state grants for higher education.

It is no doubt that in the “Year of Supporting Youth and Protecting Public Health” we will intensify our work in this area and raise it to a whole new level.

At the recent Uzbekistan Youth Forum, in our Address to the Oliy Majlis and our nation, we have clearly outlined measures in this area.

In the new Uzbekistan, we will fully mobilize all our forces and capacities for the young generation to grow up to be physically and spiritually healthy, selfless and passionate people for the Motherland, so they learn from our glorious history and may live proudly.

In today’s world, where the ideological struggles are intensifying and various hazards and threats are increasing in the information space, all of us need to have a constantly alert and sensitive, active civil position.

In particular, our servicemen should intensify cooperation with state and public organizations for the formation of ideological immunity in those who find themselves lost and influenced by alien ideas, as well as in their children, in order return them to a healthy lifestyle.

Dear brave and courageous defenders of Motherland!

Today, at a time when complex conflicts and clashes continue in remote and nearby regions of the world, we must be even more efficient in organizing our work to ensure peace and security in our dear homeland Uzbekistan.

In particular, strengthening our defense capabilities, equipping the troops with modern weapons and equipment, the widespread use of information technology in the management of units, improving combat training and professionalism – all of these will continue to be our priorities.

It is no doubt that with our joint efforts we can achieve such noble goals and objectives, protect the peaceful labor, tranquil life of our people, the clear sky of our country like the apple of an eye.

Dear friends!

I once again sincerely congratulate you and your family members on the 29th anniversary of the establishment of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Day of Defenders of Motherland.

I wish you all a sound health, peace and happiness in the family, and great success in your honorable and responsible work.

May the high trust and respect of our people always be with you!

Shavkat Mirziyoyev,

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan,

Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces

"Dunyo IA"