BUCHAREST, August 17. /Dunyo IA/. Ahead of the 35^th Anniversary of the State Independence of Uzbekistan, Ramona Nicole Mănescu, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania and Honorary Consul of Uzbekistan, extended her sincere congratulations and good wishes through Dunyo IA:

- The 35^th Anniversary of the Independence of Uzbekistan is an important milestone and an opportunity not only to celebrate the country’s achievements, but also to reflect on the remarkable transformation it has undergone.

In my view, one of the most significant achievements of Uzbekistan is that the country has succeeded in strengthening its sovereignty and national identity while progressively opening up to the world and building an increasingly modern, diversified and internationally connected economy.

The reforms undertaken in recent years have been particularly important. Economic liberalization, improvements to the investment environment, modernization of infrastructure, growing support for entrepreneurship, digitalization and greater international engagement have substantially strengthened position of Uzbekistan both regionally and globally.

Romania and Uzbekistan have a relationship built on mutual respect and a history of more than three decades. Romania recognized Uzbekistan’s independence on December 20^th, 1991, while diplomatic relations between our countries were formally established on October 6^th , 1995.

Today, I believe we have both the opportunity and the responsibility to give this relationship a new level of substance, particularly in the economic field.

Our economies are complementary in several important sectors. I see considerable potential in energy, infrastructure, agriculture and food security, pharmaceuticals, industrial production, technology, education and logistics. We should also encourage much stronger direct relations between Romanian and Uzbek companies, business organizations and investors.

One area that I consider particularly strategic is connectivity. Romania, through the Port of Constanța and its position as a member of the European Union, can provide Uzbekistan with an important gateway towards European markets. At the same time, Uzbekistan is becoming an increasingly important economic hub in Central Asia.

Developing stronger transport and commercial corridors between Central Asia and Europe can therefore become one of the pillars of our future economic relationship.

I sincerely hope that, as our relations continue to deepen, the opening of an Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Romania will become a natural next step. I believe this would be very positively received in Romania. A resident Embassy in Bucharest would provide a significant additional impulse to our political dialogue, economic diplomacy, investment relations, cultural exchanges, education and people-to-people contacts.

Uzbekistan’s emphasis on dialogue, good-neighbourly relations and regional cooperation therefore has importance beyond its immediate neighbourhood. By promoting trust, connectivity and economic interdependence, Uzbekistan contributes to creating a more stable and prosperous Central Asia.

This approach is also relevant for Romania. A more interconnected and economically dynamic Central Asia creates greater opportunities for cooperation with Europe, including through the development of transport, energy and commercial corridors linking our regions.

In an increasingly complex international environment, countries capable of building bridges and maintaining constructive dialogue with different partners become particularly valuable. I believe Uzbekistan can play precisely such a role.

Uzbekistan’s young population is one of its greatest assets. Investing in education, professional skills, research, technology and entrepreneurship will be fundamental to the country’s long-term competitiveness, and Romania can become a valuable partner in this process.

There is considerable potential for cooperation between Romanian and Uzbek universities, research institutions and technology companies, particularly in engineering, digital technologies, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, energy, agriculture, medicine and healthcare.

The greatest long-term value will come from investments and joint ventures that establish production capacity, transfer technology and know-how, develop local expertise, create skilled employment and facilitate access to new markets.

Over the next 10–15 years, I believe several elements will be particularly important: continuing economic and institutional reforms; strengthening investor confidence; investing in education and human capital; accelerating technological and digital transformation; diversifying the economy; developing modern infrastructure and international transport corridors; and maintaining Uzbekistan’s constructive and balanced foreign policy.

Sustainability will also become increasingly important. Economic growth must be accompanied by responsible management of natural resources, water and energy, as well as investment in cleaner technologies and more efficient infrastructure.

But ultimately, the greatest resource of Uzbekistan is its people. A young, educated, entrepreneurial and internationally connected generation can become the driving force behind the country’s next stage of development.

On the occasion of the 35^{th A}nniversary of the Independence of Uzbekistan, I would like to convey my warmest congratulations to the people and leadership of Uzbekistan and my sincere wishes for continued peace, prosperity and success.