BERLIN, September 9. /Dunyo IA/.   Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Johann Saathoff, extended his sincere congratulations and best wishes to the people of our country on the occasion of the 35^th Anniversary of the Independence of Uzbekistan through Dunyo IA:

- Uzbekistan has achieved notable progress in recent years. Reforms in vocational education, employment, public administration and social protection have provided an important impetus to the country's development. For such large-scale transformations to yield their full efficacy, time and appropriate conditions are required. In particular, rational and sustainable use of natural resources, the strengthening of rule of law institutions, and economic diversification open up broad opportunities for Uzbekistan. Germany, and primarily the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, supports this transformation process as a reliable partner.

Cooperation between Germany and Uzbekistan is focused on forward-looking areas of critical importance for the future of both countries. In this regard, the BMZ supports the development of infrastructure and technical equipment necessary for the efficient use of water resources. It is particularly essential to adapt water management and consumption systems to the environmental conditions of Central Asia amid accelerating climate change.

We are pleased to participate in preparing the youth of Uzbekistan for their professional careers. In this field, we collaborate closely with the private sector to design dual and practice-oriented vocational education programs, as well as to establish financial incentive mechanisms for enterprises engaged in training young specialists. Furthermore, we offer young professionals counseling services on career guidance, professional trajectory determination and employment planning.

Today, an approach based on regional cooperation has become one of the key principles of Germany’s activities to support the development of Central Asia.

Contemporary challenges - such as climate change, water resource management and energy issues are not confined to national borders and can therefore only be resolved through joint efforts. Close regional cooperation fosters stronger ties between states, enhances stability, and unlocks new opportunities for long-term economic development. Uzbekistan is making significant efforts in this direction, which is of great importance for the entire region.

Over the past 35 years, Uzbekistan has undergone a large-scale transformation process. The economic openness of the country at both regional and international levels deserves special recognition. This process, carried out in conjunction with extensive political reforms, serves as an important example for the whole of Central Asia and fosters innovation across the region. It is precisely due to these changes that Uzbekistan has today become an important partner for Germany and Europe in Central Asia. Our cooperation is rooted in a mutual desire to learn from one another and to jointly find solutions to global challenges.

If I were asked to characterize the country in a single phrase, I would say: “Renewal and Development”. The transformation process of recent years has unlocked new opportunities for the people of Uzbekistan, the Central Asian region, and international cooperation. Such changes undoubtedly strengthen confidence in the future and inspire the pursuit of new achievements.

I sincerely congratulate the people of Uzbekistan on the 35^th Anniversary of State Independence. This landmark date provides an excellent opportunity to worthily appreciate the achievements made and, at the same time, look to the future with confidence. I wish the country continued peace, stability, success and consistent development. We stand ready to further support Uzbekistan on this path in the future.