On the occasion of the 34th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Turkmenistan hosted a reception in Ashgabat, the newspaper “Neutral Turkmenistan” reports.
The event was attended by heads of diplomatic missions, representatives of international and regional organizations accredited in Turkmenistan, as well as businessmen from Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. The main guest on behalf of the Government of Turkmenistan was Deputy Prime Minister Nokerguly Atagulyev.
Ravshanbek Alimov, the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan, delivered a welcoming speech to the audience. He stressed that Independence Day is a sacred holiday for every Uzbek, symbolizing freedom, sovereignty and the desire of the people for peace, creation and renewal. “Every citizen of our republic values the rights and freedoms that independence has given us. The careful preservation and strengthening of independence remains the highest goal of the multinational people of Uzbekistan,” the Ambassador noted.
Speaking about the country’s achievements, Alimov highlighted the large-scale reforms carried out under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev within the framework of the idea of a New Uzbekistan. These reforms are aimed at improving the welfare of the people through the development of the economy, strengthening the social sphere, expanding international relations and affirming the principles of openness and the rule of law. The principle of “For the sake of human honor and dignity” has become a nationwide movement that strengthens peace, interethnic and interreligious harmony in the country.
In the international arena, Uzbekistan has established itself as a reliable partner, consistently implementing a policy of good neighborliness and constructive cooperation. Thanks to the efforts of the leaders of the Central Asian countries, the Central Asian region is now turning into a space of trust, sustainable development and good neighborliness, where special importance is attached to mutual support and joint solution of common tasks.
Uzbek-Turkmen relations occupied a special place in the Ambassador’s speech. It was emphasized that strengthening friendly and good-neighborly relations with fraternal Turkmenistan is of particular importance for Uzbekistan.
“Our countries are united by centuries–old historical, cultural and spiritual ties,” Alimov stressed.
Thanks to the political will of President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, cooperation between the two countries has reached the level of strategic partnership.
The trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan has exceeded $1 billion, and the countries aim to reach $2 billion in the near future. Among the significant initiatives are the launch of inter–regional cooperation projects, the establishment of the Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan Business Council and the opening of the first Shavat–Dashoguz Border Trade Zone in the near future.
Interparliamentary dialogue is actively developing, as well as cultural and humanitarian cooperation, including Cultural and Film Days, Cultural and Film Days, and the opening of Tashkent and Ashgabat parks in Tashkent, which have become symbols of national diplomacy.
The Ambassador noted Uzbekistan’s support for Turkmenistan’s peace-loving initiatives.
“Uzbekistan fully supports Turkmenistan’s peaceful and constructive international initiatives aimed at ensuring regional and global stability. Having fully supported Turkmenistan’s initiative to declare 2025 as the “International Year of Peace and Trust” by the UN General Assembly, Uzbekistan was among the co-authors of this document. We fully share its approaches to strengthening peace, preventing conflicts and creating conditions for sustainable development through establishing a trusting dialogue at all levels,” the Ambassador said.
At the end of his speech, Ravshanbek Alimov wished prosperity to Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and all countries, emphasizing the importance of strengthening Uzbek-Turkmen friendship and world peace. ///nCa, 5 September 2025