This year we mark the 18th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence. Under [Uzbek] President Islom Karimov’s leadership, Uzbekistan has gained massive successes and achievements in the past years. All this has led to the fact that the current generation has an opportunity to decide its fate and chose its own path of development.

The rightness of the [Uzbek] path has once again been proved in the current circumstances, in particular at a time when the scale of the world financial crisis, broke out last year, is further expanding.

Traditionally, close cultural and humanitarian relations that are built on spiritual closeness and centuries old ties between the two nations deserve rapt attention. Cooperation in this important field encourages boosting inter-ethnic accord between our countries, where large Uzbek and Turkmen diasporas live. The implementation of the programme for cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian fields for 2008-10 is intended to promote achievement of goals and fulfilment of tasks in this field. Uzbekistan attaches important strategic significance to comprehensive development of relations with Turkmenistan.

These prospects have become attainable in many respects thanks to the high level of mutual trust, mutual understanding and mutual respect that are existent and continue to further develop in relations between the presidents of the two countries.

Availing myself of this opportunity, I would like to wish his Excellency [Turkmen President] Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and the Turkmen nation happiness, sound health and further prosperity. I am sure that the current relations of real friendship and close cooperation between our brotherly countries will further strengthen and develop in the interests of the two countries as well as of peace, security and stability in the Central Asia.