Address by H.E. President Islam Karimov at the Grand Meeting Dedicated to the 2200th Anniversary of the City of Tashkent

Dear compatriots!

Distinguished guests!

Ladies and gentlemen!

First of all, allow me from the bottom of my heart to congratulate you and in your person all citizens of the capital city, all our people on the landmark holiday of the 2200th anniversary of the city of Tashkent, which is the heart of our Homeland, and express to you my sincere respect and best wishes.

Our people have a kind tradition to mark the remarkable dates with new accomplishments and worthy presents.

In this respect, I believe I would express opinion of each person present here if I say that the celebration of the glorious date of the beloved Tashkent at this majestic and unique venue, which was built to the jubilee of the city and named the Palace of International Forums “Uzbekistan”, certainly encompasses us with a feeling of joy and admiration.

You are all well aware that we have adopted a special resolution and program to worthily mark the 2200th anniversary jubilee of the ancient and ever young Tashkent in line with the decision of the high-profile international institution of UNESCO.

For over the passed time, with a view of celebrating this date at the high level, as well as in accordance with an important role and status of Tashkent in the life of the country the substantial work has been accomplished in terms of comprehensive development and betterment of our capital city.

Today, it can be said with full confidence that there are not a single district, residential area, makhalla (neighborhood community), enterprise and not a single person in Tashkent, who hasn’t made an immediate contribution to fulfillment of this large-scale, truly historical work and hasn’t assisted with his kind piece of advice and good wishes.

In a word, the preparation to the jubilee has proved with full obviousness how each and every person who lives on our beautiful land loves and values Tashkent.

I consider it my honorable duty on my own behalf and on behalf of entire nation to express a deep gratitude to all residents of the capital, who have made a worthy contribution to the organization of celebrations of the landmark jubilee of the city of Tashkent.

The palace, which has widely opened its doors for us today, stands as an amazing sample of the national architecture. We are overwhelmed with the feeling of pride that the idea of its construction, design, architectural solution, each column, each element of ornament, interior and exterior decorations serve as a vivid confirmation of the talent of our masters, architects and engineers, constructors and fitters, as well as other highly qualified specialists.

I think that construction of such an impressive monumental building at the very center of Tashkent can be considered as an evidence for ever growing intellectual and creative potential, strengths and capabilities of our country, in particular, in the sphere of modern city building.

Dear friends!

I want on behalf of all who are present in this hall to express a kind wish: may this grand palace, which embodies the mastery and best traditions of our national architecture, as much as beautiful Tashkent, remain for centuries and always serve as a main venue for holding such joyful and solemn events as today’s jubilee.

Distinguished participants of the meeting!

Celebrating the great jubilee of Tashkent, we deeply realize its inseparable linkage with the 18th anniversary of Independence of our Homeland.

It is necessary to underline that this momentum is of an important political, social and spiritual significance since it is impossible to imagine the history and modern life of the country’s capital out of touch with the history and modern day of our Homeland, and the future of Uzbekistan – out of touch with the future of Tashkent.

These days, when our greatest and dearest holiday – the Independence Day is solemnly celebrated in all cities and villages, one certain fact becomes ever more obvious for any person living in our country, who has forever linked his fate with Uzbekistan, its today and the future, i.e. on his own example, on the example of changes in the life of his family, friends and kin he clearly sees and understands the essence and meaning of enormous transformations, which have been accomplished along the uneasy path traversed by independent Uzbekistan within such a short period of time, and he takes pride of the growing might of our country, its raising profile on the international arena.

It can be said without exaggeration that in these festive days we realize yet deeper what enormous opportunities the independence has opened up for the growth of self-consciousness of people, developing the natural riches of their country, realizing the available potential, achieving goals and aspirations of our people, including the youth, who steps to an independent life, building a democratic, free, welfare state and society on our sacred land, in a word, for building the great future.

In this regard, if we speak about our achievements for over the past time, I think it is appropriate to cite particular figures which witness about stable development of economy within the last five years.

For over 2004-2008 the volume of the country’s GDP grew in the dollar equivalent almost for 2,6 times, and the volume of manufactured produce per capita – more than 2 times, and undoubtedly this witnesses that the transformations in the economy bear positive practical results.

It is noteworthy that the adopted measures to ensure stable economic growth rates and avoid groundless rise of prices have allowed for over this period to increase the real incomes of population for 4 times.

As you know, due to the financial and economic crisis, which has broken out worldwide, the decrease of economic growth rates is being observed in many countries. Thousands of enterprises, companies and banks suffer bankruptcy with a growing number of unemployed and decreasing of living standards.

Today, analyzing the complicated situation in the countries, which experience those problems, many people are asking the natural question: how and at the expense of what does Uzbekistan manage to mitigate the consequences of the global crisis, avert the decrease of economic growth rates, and most importantly, of the living standards of population?

It is necessary to note that our society and ordinary citizens do find the right answer to this question in the daily life and in their own experience. One can become convinced of it during meetings and conversations with people in all corners of the country.

The major factor of results secured by us should be searched in our farsighted and deeply thought-out political decisions (unlike some other countries that had pursued momentary, narrow-minded goals and interests) taken with due consideration of the genuine interests of people and country, as well as in the programs being confidently implemented on this basis.

Yet another significant factor that made possible our successes is that after gaining independence Uzbekistan, not copying anyone, but also not denying the positive world experience, has been consistently moving along its own evolutionary path of development that corresponds the mentality of our people and named as the “Uzbek model” based on the five famous principles. This model has once again confirmed its justifiability and viability in the conditions of the financial and economic crisis that engulfed the entire world.

The life itself proves the correctness of decisions we have taken, when in the process of transition from previous administrative and command system to a new system of market economy, we have followed such principles as “The reforms are not for the sake of reforms, but for a man, for the sake of his interests” and “Do not destroy the old house until you build a new one”.

This process was facilitated by the fact that having rejected all sorts of deceptive recipes and recommendations imposed on us from outside we relied on our own potential, chose the course of consistent and gradual implementation of reforms.

In other words, we did not apply externally loud but poorly efficient methods on their content such as “shock therapy”, managed without outside advisers and conducted the balanced, deeply elaborated policy to build a new society and a new economy.

In this respect, I would like to draw your attention to one factor, which allows to make an important conclusion.

The method of expanding and enhancing the state management, that we are using, has fully justified itself not only in implementing the strategic and priority programs aimed at perspective and long-term interests, when our country and economy was overcoming the complex and serious barriers, but also, as the life confirms itself, continues to prove its rightness today, as well, when alongside with other states we are taking the necessary measures to neutralize the consequences of the financial and economic crisis.

It is not difficult to see the application and use of such approach, judgments and experience in the steps, which the largest and developed countries of the world are making in addressing the ever aggravating global financial crisis.

I think, today we all well understand how rightly we acted, when in order to avoid any political or economic dependence, avoid falling into debtor’s hole and financial servitude, we had a very reasonable approach to the use of funds of the international financial organizations and foreign investments.

We need to mention that in this issue we were guided by the wisdom of our fathers and forefathers – “entering any door think about how you are going to exit”.

To follow up on the topic, we should specially emphasize yet another point. Taking care about the future generations, even in the hardest times we never hypothecated our natural, and most importantly, the strategic resources. Having rejected the speculative short-term loans offered from outside we had channeled the funds mainly to modernization, technical and technological re-equipment of production, diversification of economy and this created the preconditions for strengthening potential of the country and provided for the guarantees for the future.

Thus, relying on our own capacities, we have chosen a thoroughly thought out model of development based on which we have embarked on building the future, and for over the last years we have been conducting the deeply weighed policy in terms of reforming economy, liberalizing, modernizing and diversifying it. This has become a firm and reliable barrier from negative impacts of crises and other threats.

At the same time, all of this in no way speaks about that the global financial crisis, which acquires ever greater scales, will not have an impact on our country and will bypass us. It would be the most naïve, and I would say, the unforgivable delusion as the process of current development of Uzbekistan as the full-fledged subject of the international community and global financial and economic market not only continues, but also will deepen further.

Proceeding from this, as the first signs of crisis have emerged, showing prudence and taking into account the real situation in the economy, we have made the necessary preparation and elaborated the timely large-scale programs to minimize its impacts.

Speaking about the main guidelines and objectives of the adopted programs, it is necessary to underscore that a special attention is being paid to alleviating the state of real sector of economy, cutting taxes and enhancing support on the part of state, encouraging the production sphere towards fuller meeting of needs and demands of the domestic market, creating broader opportunities and additional benefits for the branches that manufacture the consumer goods, developing small businesses, private entrepreneurship and farming. Another important point is that development of agricultural sphere, improvement of the countryside as a leading factor of the country’s development as a whole has been taken up to the level of priority direction of state policy.

It is also of a special significance the comprehensive stimulating of the export-oriented enterprises, cutting their tax burden and expanding their markets.

One of the important aspects of our Anti-crisis program is as follows: we keep on the focus of our attention the tackling of the most urgent tasks related to the development of transport routes and communications, social infrastructure, including the systems of supply of drinking water, natural gas and electricity, the sphere of services, construction of new sites at the countryside area, improvement, and creation of new jobs on this basis.

An important place is reserved in the current program to the issues of further strengthening the banking, financial and credit systems, expanding their positive influence on the real sector of economy, creating the necessary conditions for attracting the foreign investments, above all, of the direct foreign investments into our country.

The undertaken anti-crisis measures are already bearing the first but rather convincing outcomes.

If we refer to the outcomes of the first half of 2009 then it should be noted the consistent and balanced development of our economy, as well as the stable growth rates of its indicators. The gross domestic product has grown by 8,2 percent, the volumes of industrial production – by 9,1 percent, export of goods – by 13,4 percent. The inflation rate did not exceed 3,5 percent. 530 thousand new jobs have been created in the country and the real incomes of population have increased by 26 percent.

It is necessary to emphasize that the volume of investments attracted to develop, modernize, technically and technologically re-equip production, for over the first six months of this year has grown by 32,7 percent, including the direct foreign investments – for 2,6 times.

Implementation of the state budget in 2008 and first half of 2009 with surplus allowed to increase starting from August 1 this year the size of salary, pensions, stipends and allowances by 25 percent. Taking into account the real opportunities to additionally increase them by the end of this year we have all grounds to say that the incomes of population will exceed those of last year.

At the moment, the international community, and particularly, such organizations as the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank, as well as high-profile international experts and analysts are objectively recognizing and highly assessing the practical results of the deep and large-scale reforms being carried out in Uzbekistan.

For example, the international conference dedicated to the global financial and economic crisis, ways and measures to overcome it in the conditions of Uzbekistan held in May this year in Tashkent serves as evidence to the aforesaid.

Yet another confirmation of such recognition became the official statement of the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Mr. Dominique Strauss-Kahn, who has personally learnt about the course of reforms in our country and emphasized that the economic growth rates of Uzbekistan in 2009 were one of the highest in the world.

At the moment, we are not only thinking about how to mitigate the negative impact of crisis, but also accomplishing a serious work to ensure that in the post-crisis period the economy of Uzbekistan will become ever stronger, more sustainable and balanced in order to secure its worthy place in the world market, as well as consistently tackle the tasks of further increasing the living standards and well being of our population.

I think, in this context just one example will be enough. As you know, at the beginning of this year we adopted the Program of measures on implementing the most important projects on modernization, technical and technological re-equipment of production for 2009-2014 that envisages implementation of more than 400 investment projects worth in total 41,4 billion dollars, which witnesses about the scales of our plans.

Along with this, dear friends, today at this time, which determines our future, when with an aim of gaining by Uzbekistan the deserved place among developed states we adopt and implement the deeply thought out programs, our achievements must not immerse us in the state of euphoria and unconcern. One should not forget that each step along this way should be made only after comprehensive and thorough analysis.

The aggravating tension that we see in the near and far abroad, the threats and confrontations, which are still in place in the entire world, continuing global financial and economic crisis commit us to be ever more vigilant, careful and make appropriate conclusions on time.

Today, no one – neither well-wishers nor those, who got used to look at us scornfully, - can deny the fact that thanks to the selfless work, bravery and steadfastness of our people during the historically short period of time we have achieved accomplishments which are only possible for over the centuries.

Traversing very complex and uneasy path, our nation has hardened in these trials and difficulties, strengthened their will and faith in the future.

Most importantly, the consciousness and way of thinking, as well as the worldview of people have radically changed. Today, we are the free nation, which decides its fate on its own. Being not inferior to anyone and in anything, we are moving forward in pace with all civilized world.

Now we are not the same as we were in the 90s of the last century. The feeling of a proprietor, the owner of land, complicity and responsibility for the ongoing events in the country and worldwide is ever strengthening in our fellow countrymen.

Such creative and magnanimous people, who deeply realize their identity, take pride of the fact that they live on the sacred land and are the descendants of great ancestors, capable to subdue any peaks. I don’t have any doubts about this.

Today there are all grounds to assert that despite the hardships, tough trials and obstacles, we have never turned off the chosen path and we won’t do so in the days to come!

Dear compatriots!

Speaking about the pearl of our Homeland – Tashkent, about the role and significance of this great city not only for Uzbekistan, but also for the entire Oriental world, its originality and peculiarities, as many others, I consider it to be my duty to express my love, my innermost thoughts and feelings to it.

How many beautiful words have been written about the unique and wonderful nature of Tashkent, its blossoming gardens and vivifying springs. Yet in the 15th century the historian Zayniddin Vasifiy fairly noted that a person, who visits this city, feels himself as if in heavenly gardens.

The capital of our Homeland – Tashkent, which emerged twenty-two centuries ago and situated on the crossroads of the Great Silk Road, thanks to its geographic and geopolitical role and enormous contribution to the development of the world civilization, which has rightfully gained the name of the “Gates of the East”, embodies the richest history and unrepeatable image of the sunny Uzbekistan.

Today, Tashkent is a modern center of the socio-political, financial-economic and educational-cultural life not only of our country, but also of the entire region. This is a megalopolis that possesses the highly developed industry with a strong transport-communicational and social infrastructure.

This is the city, where the Oriental color, traditional and modern architecture, as well as values of Islamic culture are uniquely combined. The beautiful Tashkent is a pride of our multinational people. It is the symbol of peace and stability.

Our ancient city, which in different times was named Kanka, Binkat, Mingurik, Chach and Shash, for over its history experienced numerous trials, turned into ruins many times as a result of invasions of conquerors, but thanks to enormous diligence, steadfastness and firmness of people, who lived on this land, it revived anew every time.

While thinking about Tashkent, unwillingly one may ask a question: “Why this city did emerge exactly on this land, exactly on this area?”

If we summarize the historical sources, which we have today, one should say, that emergence and development of Tashkent became as a result of objective historical necessity.

This area, which was mentioned in the Chinese sources of the first centuries A.D. with a name of ‘Shi’, i.e. “the stone city”, according to the historians, stands as a dwelling place of one of the most ancient human settlements in the region.

It is known that in the ancient times the matter of defense and life support was the most important factor in terms of emergence of cities. From this point of view, it was not just only by chance that Tashkent emerged in the oasis surrounded by Chatkal and Kurama mountain chains, on the banks of deep Syrdarya and Chirchik rivers on the territory with vast valleys and pastures, rich with flora and fauna, as well as with deposits of gold, silver, copper, lead and non-ferrous metals.

All these prerequisites served as a favorable foundation for development since the old times of land farming and cattle breeding, extraction of metals, weaving, pottery and glassworks, and other crafts. Such modern names of Tashkent streets, makhallas and guzars as Temirchi that stands for ‘smith’, misgarlik – ‘copper-smith’, Degrezlik – ‘smelter’, Ukchi – ‘armorer’, Egarchi – ‘saddle-maker’, Takachi – ‘blacksmith’, Mahsiduzlik – ‘shoemaker’, Kunchilik – ‘fur dresser’ and Parchabof – ‘weaver’ stand as a striking evidence for the aforesaid.

The historical sources say that weaponry and military equipment, and in particular, arrows, shields, saddles and harness made by the Tashkent craftsmen enjoyed a special fame all around the world.

I think it is not difficult to understand that generous and fertile soil, and most importantly, the heartfelt kindness and magnanimity of its citizens paved way to emergence of the legendary epithet “Tashkent – an abundant city” (literally: ‘Tashkent is a city of bread’).

We can speak a lot about uniqueness and peculiarities of our capital – on how its name, history and fame have been shaped.

But, the main thing is that despite any trials and ordeals, natural disasters Tashkent has always been rebuilt in the same place. A man, who has seen the present development of the city, can yet time and again be convinced in correctness of choice of the place for building the city, which has proven right for many centuries.

Today, the fact that Tashkent stands in the same territory even after thousands of years not only amazes but prompts one to pay homage and bow before the genius of shrewdness of our ancestors, who had laid the foundations of this city.

Dear friends, imagine that after centuries, millennia, taking into account the modern knowledge and experience, the achievements of civilization one would need to choose a place for a city like Tashkent. There is no doubt that this very location would have been opted for.

This God-blessed land, whose each span maintains a memory of our great forefathers, has brought up such famous religious scholars of Islamic world as Imam Kaffal Shashi, Sheikh Havandi Tahur, Hoja Akhror Vali, Hafiz Kuyki and Sheikh Zaynuddin-bobo, Ibragim-ota and Kuylyuk-ota and hundreds of other scientists and thinkers, who greatly contributed to the development of science, culture, enlightenment and who chose pseudonyms of “Shashi”, “Tashkendi”.

Speaking of Tashkent we, naturally cannot but mention the glorious name of our great ancestor Amir Temur, who left bright memories in its history.

Sakhibkiran well understood the crucial importance of Tashkent in establishing a great and powerful state in Turkistan region and this city by right became a reliable fortress and outpost of Temurids’ state.

In all times Tashkent has been a hospitable and tolerant city. There are a lot of historic data on how the trade caravans entered through 12 gates of the city from around the globe and through these gates they embarked on a journey across the world. Thus, a mutual enrichment of various civilizations and cultures occurred on this land.

History speaks on the fact that from the old the representatives of different nations and ethnicities settled in Tashkent, lived side by side and supported each other. This is proven by the names of blocks and makhallas (neighborhoods), which developed on the land of Tashkent in old times – Kashgar, Turaryk, Eron, Nugaytepa, Kazakbazar, Kyrgyzkuprik, and Tajikmahalla.

In the origins of the name of “Tashkent”, which means “the city solid as a stone”, undoubtedly a great role belongs to the heroism of its people, their selflessness in defending their native land, centuries-long persistent struggle against various intrusions – be that the Mongol or Arab conquerors.

For over the last one and a half century Tashkent stood at the very center of great and vital events, often – hard and severe trials.

In the second half of the 19th century it was Tashkent that suffered the first strikes of tsarist Russia in occupying Middle Asia. The history witnessed that then the population mobilized all of its forces and firmly defended its own city.

Tashkent, as much as the entire country, has bravely gone through all dramatic events of the 20th century, which brought such trials that befell to its fate, as imposing of the Soviet regime, severe famine and repressions of 20-30s, hardships of wartime and the earthquake of 1966.

During the years of the World War II Tashkent not only sent hundreds of thousands of its sons and daughters to the battlegrounds, but sheltered tens of thousands people evacuated from the front-line territories, adhering to the noble impulse of the heart “You are not an orphan!” warmed the children, who lost their parents. One can cite yet many and many examples, which embody the high humanism and mercy of the citizens of Tashkent and entire nation, who shared with those in need the last bite of bread.

Recently, ancient Tashkent was conferred another honorary title – it was named as the “Capital of Islamic culture”, which became yet another deserved appraisal of its merits and all our people, who by going through the stormy whirls of history, was able to preserve their national and religious values.

Dear friends!

While speaking of our capital, the hearts of both native Tashkentees, who were born and raised here and newcomers, who settled and found their happiness in this city, in a word, as our wise people have noted, each and every person, who tasted the water of Tashkent and breathed its air, fill with bright memories and feelings related to this city. In this sense, Tashkent for us is an embodiment of a single Homeland. In a word, each of us has his own Tashkent, which occupied forever its firm place in our hearts.

Certainly, today the city has dramatically changed. The old blocks and narrow streets gave way to modern buildings, beautiful squares, broad avenues and bridges, as well as the cascades of amazing fountains. But whatever the good changes there would be, one involuntarily recalls his childhood, youth, first love, misses those cozy corners, sincere conversations with kind, openhearted and wise people of Tashkent.

Someone recalls Beshagach square, someone – Arpapoya street or Kukcha makhalla. Others miss carefree days spent on the banks of Ankhor river in the company of friends of his young ages.

Speaking of Tashkent we all mention with gratitude the names of Abdulla Avloniy, Munavvarkory, Abdulla Kodiriy, Oybek, Gafur Gulyam, Zulfiya, Mirkarim Asim, Said Akhmad, Obid Sodiqov, Sabir Yunusov, Yakhya Gulyamov, Yunus Rajabiy, Shukur Burkhanov and Ulmas Umarbekov. We can go on this list of prominent representatives of science and culture, who made invaluable contribution to the development of spiritual life of our people.

Along with them, the life and activity of thousands of our famous fellow countrymen, as well as those, who came to Tashkent from different places and settled here and fully realized their talent and creative potential, have become an integral part of history of the city.

Like everybody I recall the old Tashkent with its weeping willows, its narrow streets, sounds of bells of passing-by tram, houses made of mud, cozy yards, with the aroma of freshly baked bread and basilica coming from them. Imagination sometime revives the old squares of Eski Juva, Chorsu, Khadra, Navoi Street, the old Park of Victory, as well as the gardens spread on the territory of present Chilanzar prior to the earthquake.

I am confident that these feelings and memories live today in each of us and particular this feeling makes our love for Homeland yet stronger.

A special sincerity of the Tashkent people, their open faces and unique accent took a firm place in my heart. I highly appreciate the noble human qualities of Tashkent people and always strive to be worth of them.

Today, the life of the capital is uninterruptedly linked with the life of the entire country. From Tashkent one can see immense spaciousness of the Homeland as if you are standing at the top of a mountain. Figuratively speaking, the Almighty blessed this ancient city to eminence and created all opportunities for it to become a capital.

They say, that the capital reflects the look of the entire country. In this context, we can be proud that Tashkent, serving as an example for all other cities in all terms, embodies the will of our people, their material and spiritual strength.

Each and every person, who at least once visited the Square of Independence, which is our pride and place of honor for the entire nation, understands and realizes this fact.

Wherever we are, whatever country we visit we always miss Tashkent and rush to return. It is not for nothing that they say that each bird, which tasted a cornel in Tashkent, will return even from Mecca.

I personally as President have visited many countries. For instance, recently I had a chance to visit Brazil, which in another part of the world.

I think you will understand me correctly if I confess that wherever I go, whatever the beauty of the country is I cannot stay there for more than two or three days. Some type of great power, probably the divine one, drives me to my native land, to Tashkent.

I am confident that I will not be wrong if I say that not only me but many of our fellow countrymen experience this feeling.

Certainly, we all feel proud when we meet thousands and thousands of people not only in the country but abroad, as well, who used to study in Tashkent, tasted its bread over the dastarkhan (tablecloth) and have deep feelings of love and respect towards the city.

Obviously, this generation of youth have their own Tashkent. This city is associated, above all, with the capital of independent Homeland, with modern schools, lyceums, colleges and higher educational institutions, sports facilities, places of culture and spirituality.

Today, Tashkent is turning into a city, which inspires our children in their noble aspirations, which opens yet new horizons before them, the city which is literally turning into a city of their dreams and hopes.

Shortly summarizing all the said, we can say that we love and revere in the image of Tashkent the native Uzbekistan and in the image of entire Uzbekistan – Tashkent, glorious capital of our Homeland.

There is a deep meaning and big responsibility in the notion of “resident of capital”. Therefore, the people, who deeply realize this special honor and every day prove in practice their right to this proud title, deserve a high respect.

I admire selflessness and sincerity, openness and generosity of people of Tashkent, those people, who transform their native city, highly value this sacred land.

Dear fellow countrymen!

Now I want to proceed to fulfilling my honorable and joyful mission.

As you know, for substantial contribution in establishing the national statehood, constructing the independent law-governed democratic state, consolidating peace and stability, developing the interstate cooperation, friendship between the peoples, in recognition of the enormous merits in preserving the kind traditions, raising the level of cultural, spiritual life and education, upbringing the young generation in the spirit of love to Homeland, national and universal values and on the occasion of the 2200th anniversary the city of Tashkent was awarded the “Mustakillik” Order.

Allow me to present this high award to the capital of Uzbekistan.

Dear people of Tashkent, dear friends!

In these joyful and unforgettable moments once again congratulating each and every one of you on today’s holiday, I wish all of you prosperity, sound health and many successes.

Taking this opportunity, I express a sincere and profound gratitude to the international institution of UNESCO, diplomats and employees of foreign missions, to all our friends and partners from near and far countries, who are sharing our today’s joy.

Let the fame of Tashkent, which embodies our pride, remain and multiply in centuries!

Let the happiness and prosperity of our people – the creator of such great cities as Tashkent - be eternal!

Let success always accompany us in all our noble endeavors!