BRUSSELS, August 6. /Dunyo IA/.  On the eve of the 35^th anniversary of the state independence of Uzbekistan, European Union Special Representative for Central Asia, Eduards Stiprais, extended his sincere congratulations and best wishes through Dunyo IA:

-  Dear friends!

It is with great pleasure that I address you today on the occasion of the 35^th anniversary of Uzbekistan's independence. Please accept my warmest congratulations on this special day.

I am myself a true friend of the people of Uzbekistan, having had the chance to live and work there for four years as the EU ambassador to Uzbekistan and still travelling there regularly as now the EU Special Representative for Central Asia.

I must say that I witnessed the fast development of the country since 2016. Uzbekistan has undergone deep transformations. The reforms launched a decade ago have brought about profound and tangible change, transforming the country in meaningful ways.

They have opened Uzbekistan to the world, making it more accessible, more connected and more welcoming to international partners businesses and visitors alike. These reforms have delivered real benefits to the country's citizens, they have helped raise living standards increase prosperity and create more opportunities for personal and professional growth by fostering economic development, improving the business climate and promoting social progress.

Reform agenda has enabled more people to pursue their ambitions and build a better future for themselves and their families.

At the same time, remarkable progress achieved over the past decade is not only a source of pride but also a strong foundation on which to build. It has created new confidence, new energy and new possibilities for the country and its people.

Yet as with every far reaching transformation the reform process remains ongoing, offering fresh opportunities to consolidate achievements and elevate the country's development even further. In this regard, continued efforts in areas such as agriculture, local governance and the energy sector hold particular promise. Progress in these fields would deepen the impact of the reforms already undertaken, unlock further potential and bring tangible benefits to citizens across the country.

It would also strengthen the country's resilience and competitiveness while enhancing its attractiveness as a destination for investment, cooperation and international partnership.

Building the resilience in front of multiple external and internal threats, both manmade and the natural ones, will remain major task for Uzbekistan, facing water scarcity climate change. External economic or security threats requires not only the strong state, but also strong civil society institutions, citizens with good education and developed critical thinking.

New Uzbekistan marks a new era of cooperation with foreign partners. Country became a trustworthy and constructive partner in the heart of Central Asia, fostering peace and trade in the whole region.

Our cooperation has grown steadfast and is promised to a bright future it now covers a large range of sectors, including connectivity education, technologies, green transition and sustainable development or critical raw materials.

European Union and Uzbekistan are partners of choice, who are continuously getting closer in today's evolving geopolitical environment.

European Union attaches great importance to supporting Uzbekistan in its ongoing reform efforts and is proud to stand alongside the country on its path. This includes cooperation in such essential areas as the rule of law, human rights and labor rights, gender equality, as well as matters linked to Uzbekistan's GSP plus commitments, WTO accession process and the gradual reduction of trade barriers and restrictions.

Strategic partnership established in 2025 during the first EU Central Asia Summit in Samarkand between our two regions helps us overcom common challenges and work together on concrete projects that facilitate our life and strengthen our resilience.

We are deeply grateful to the people of Uzbekistan at every level for their dedication and efforts in strengthening relations between Uzbekistan and the European Union.

We highly value the spirit of cooperation and look forward with confidence to the next stages of our partnership.

Happy Independence Day of Uzbekistan!

Photo from the archive of Dunyo IA