PRAGUE, August 31. /Dunyo IA/.  Štefan Füle, Member of the International Advisory Council, former European Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy, sent his sincere congratulations and best wishes to the people of Uzbekistan through Dunyo IA ahead of the 35^th anniversary of the country’s independence:

— First of all, I would like to congratulate all the citizens of Uzbekistan on the 35th anniversary of independence.

You have succeeded in building a modern state based on your rich historical heritage. Once, you were an important part of the famous Silk Road and had a developed statehood. The state you are building today is a worthy and effective continuation of your past. You draw inspiration from your history, and you should be proud that you can demonstrate this experience to others and serve as an example for them.

You have changed not only your own country but the entire region. Your attention to your neighbours and your openness to cooperation with people of goodwill throughout the region have inspired Central Asian countries to work together to address many common challenges.

You have always involved your citizens in the country’s development processes and relied on them. The Constitution, which was renewed several years ago, is, in my view, the best example of this. It demonstrated how dialogue and interaction with the people can foster a spirit of innovation and give new impetus to the country’s development.

Over the past 35 years, you have achieved a great deal. Just a few years ago, who could have imagined in the European Union that Central Asia, and Uzbekistan in particular, which has played a very active role in this process, would develop a strategic partnership with the European Union and its member states? You inspired us to do so.

You found yourselves in a very complex, I would say central, region, surrounded by the Eurasian Economic Union, the European Union, the Belt and Road Initiative and other major geopolitical and economic projects. But instead of fearing these challenges, you turned them into opportunities – opportunities for your state and your people.

And 35 years after gaining independence, this should serve as a very good example for others.

Once again, congratulations to you!