“Dear Islom Abduganiyevich [Karimov], Accept my sincere congratulations on the occasion of the main national holiday of Uzbekistan - Independence Day,” the message reads.

“We highly rate friendship links and will never forget support given by you to us during the most difficult time for our country. I am sure that Georgian-Uzbek relations, which have firm foundations and are supported by traditional friendship and fraternal ties between our peoples, will further strengthen and develop to the benefit of Georgia and Uzbekistan.”

“Seizing the opportunity, I would also like to congratulate you on another significant event - the 2,200th anniversary of the capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent,” the message said.

“I hope for our soonest meeting during which, by taking joint efforts, we could give a new impetus to further deepening comprehensive cooperation between the two countries,” the Georgian leader said.

Saakashvili added: “I wish you, Islom Abduganiyevich, sound health, happiness and successes on the supreme state post from the bottom of my heart, and wellbeing and prosperity to the friendly Uzbek people.”