“Contacts between our two countries are, of course, very much older than that. Correspondence exists between King Henry IV of England and Amir Temur dating back to 1402, over six hundred years ago. But it is only in the years since Uzbekistan’s independence that our relations have become systematic,” the message reads.

“Despite its long history and rich culture, Uzbekistan is a young country which has built its identity as an independent nation in an often unstable neighbourhood. It has faced a series of tough challenges over the years, including the need to establish a sustainable national economy of its own. Uzbekistan has come a long way since independence; it has much to look forward to in the future,” the diplomat said.

“Uzbekistan is the heart of Central Asia, and the key to the region’s future. It already plays a valuable role in underpinning international efforts to build a peaceful future in Afghanistan, and it has the potential to exert a positive influence for stability, moderation and closer regional cooperation. With its pivotal geographical position and its attractive natural and human resources, Uzbekistan can become a dynamic hub, linking businesses from Birmingham to Beijing, and from Moscow to Mumbai,” he added.

British envoy said: “In the past 20 years, Uzbekistan has started to develop its own uniquely Uzbek institutions. That is as it should be. The United Kingdom and others can help by providing links to an increasingly complex and networked world, as well as offering guidance on international norms. But Uzbekistan is a sovereign country and its people must build a future that is in tune with their own identity and aspirations, as well as the international commitments they have taken on. As our Prime Minister David Cameron has noted, “each country should find its own path to achieving peaceful change.”

“I have been lucky enough to travel to almost every region of Uzbekistan in the past two and a half years. And during my visits I have frequently been struck, particularly in schools and universities, by the extraordinary human talent and the enterprising spirit of people all over this beautiful, diverse country. Around 60% of Uzbeks are under the age of 25. This great human storehouse of potential is truly Uzbekistan’s greatest wealth and gives me enormous hope for a dynamic, prosperous future,” he stated.

“2012 is going to be an exciting year for Britain, as we celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen and host the London Olympic & Paralympic Games. My Embassy is organising a series of cultural and sporting events to promote these great occasions and to celebrate twenty years of diplomatic relations. Uzbekistan has increased its tally of medals at each Olympic Games in which it has competed. The Uzbek Olympic Team has every chance of building on this strong record in London later this year. I wish them the best of luck,” Ambassador said.

Rupert Joy said: “The United Kingdom values its relationship with Uzbekistan. We have had our differences, some of them serious, over the past 20 years; we will not always agree in the future. But it is in the interests of both our countries to build on the excellent existing relations that we enjoy in the field of education, our increasingly close dialogue on regional security issues, our growing business links and our developing engagement on human rights, democracy and the rule of law - issues that are, and will remain, central to UK global foreign policy priorities.”

“On this 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations, I would like to congratulate the people of Uzbekistan on the progress they have made in building their country as an independent nation and wish them well in choosing their own path for the future. This is an amazing country. I hope that the United Kingdom and Uzbekistan will work ever more closely together in the future, as partners for peace and prosperity,” he concluded.