Nowadays, the rational use of natural resources, first of all water-energy resources, is one of the most serious problems in Central Asian region. Different and ambiguous approaches in this sphere impede the development, lead to conflict situations, and sometimes even to ecological disasters. The fate of drying out the Aral Sea can be an example of tragic consequences that affect not only the people of Central Asia but also the huge subregion and even Eurasia.

Uzbekistan is taking an active part in efforts of international community aimed at enhancing stability and thorough development of Afghanistan, and attaches a significant importance to friendly and good neighborly relations with this country. It is conditioned not only by common borders but also by mutual interest of cooperation in the name of ensuring peace, stability and progress in the region.

On October 23 this year the International forum “The ways to develop and promote cultural tourism in the countries of Silk Road” took place in the city of Tashkent.

On October 17, 2008 the session of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the outcomes of social and economic development of Uzbekistan for over 9 months of 2008 took place in Tashkent. The delegates to the session worked out additional measures on providing for realization of priority tasks of deepening economic reforms put forward by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov at the session of the Government on February 8 and July 18, 2008.

On October 14-15, 2008, the traditional fourth International Uzbek Cotton Fair took place in Tashkent. The Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade jointly with Cotton Outlook Ltd. Magazine, Uzpahtasanoat Association and Uzbek Center for Certification of Cotton Fiber Sifat organized the event.

At its 34th Session in November 2007 the UNESCO General Conference adopted a resolution on celebrating the 2200th anniversary of Tashkent and participation in the jubilee celebrations.

On the eve of nation’s main holiday – the Independence Day the Center of Public Opinion Ijtimoiy Fikr held a public poll “Uzbekistan: 17 years of Independence”.

On 10 July, 2008, in the city of Tashkent, the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan held a round table on adoption of the Draft National Actions’ Plan on realization of the ILO Conventions ¹138 The Minimum Age for Admission to Employment and ¹182 The Prohibition and Immediate Action for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour with participation of representatives of Oliy Majlis (Parliament), ministries and institutions of education and law enforcement of the Republic of Uzbekistan, nongovernmental organizations (Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Public Youth Movement Kamolot, Women’s Committee of Uzbekistan, Council of Trade Unions Federation), as well as the UNICEF Representative in Uzbekistan Mr. M. Sharif, the UNICEF International Consultant to the Program of Protection of the Children’s Rights Mrs. S. Barkin-Kuzmin and the UNDP International Consultant Mrs. L.Riu.

Dear compatriots! Distinguished guests! Today the multinational people of Uzbekistan with big inspiration and joy are celebrating the landmark date of the 17th anniversary of Independence of our Homeland – the greatest and dearest holiday for all of us.

The main achievement of Uzbekistan’s independence became maintaining peace and tranquility in the country, political, economic and social stability of society which are the guarantees of all successes and reforms in Uzbekistan. Freedom, peace, friendship and interethnic accord are very important words that have obtained a special meaning and significance. And yet the meaning of kindness and mercy, respect towards women, elderly and children, as well as extending best national traditions and customs became an integral part of the nation’s worldview.

Uzbekistan has been implementing considerable reforms in all spheres of public life. In particular, the course of economic reforms in the country assumed consistent and sustainable nature. The growth of local production and high investment activeness provide for continuous consolidation of market processes in the country.

Uzbekistan, from the first days of independence embarking on the course to build democratic state and mature civil society, in all processes of reforming gradually follows the strategy “all for the sake of human, all for the sake of its future”. In the nation’s Constitution the human, its rights and interests are raised to a rank of supreme values. The legislative and normative documents that envisage provision for human interests are also implemented.

Since Uzbekistan obtained independence it has been paying a paramount attention to improving the educational system, raising its quality up to a level of world standards. It is not by chance that one of the first laws adopted in the country was the Law “On education”.

This year the people of Uzbekistan will celebrate the 17th anniversary of Independence. Looking back at the traversed complex path of independent development one could speak about significant achievements of the country in building open, secular democratic state with socially-oriented market economy and establishing strong civil society.

On the invitation of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov on July 21-23, 2008 the Emir of State of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber as-Sabah paid an official visit to Uzbekistan.

According to the Ministry for Emergency Situations, at night of July 10, 2008 at the rocket and artillery depot of the Ministry of Defense’s military unit located in the Kagan Province of Bukhara region the inflammation occurred that caused fire and explosion of ammunitions.

The Institute for New Democracies was awarded official registration for its Branch in Uzbekistan for an unlimited time period “to assist in implementing democratic reforms in the Republic of Uzbekistan through education, policy research, and practical assistance to governmental institutions and civil society”. The state registration certificate, in English and Uzbek, was signed by R.Mukhitdinov, Minister of Justice of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

On July 3, 2008, the Kengashs (Councils) of Legislative Chamber and Senate of Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan adopted the Joint Resolution “On measures to strengthen support of non-state non-profit organizations, other institutions of civil society”.

On July 2, 2008 the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Uzbekistan presented a State Registration Certificate to the branch of “Institute for New Democracies, Inc.” in Uzbekistan. The main purpose of Institute’s activity is to assist in implementing democratic reforms in the Republic of Uzbekistan through education, policy research and practical assistance to governmental institutions and civil society. The period of activity is not limited.

In 2008 the international community will celebrate the 60th anniversary of adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which has secured the main democratic principles and requirements in the sphere of observing the human rights and freedoms and has become a political and legal framework for establishment of an entire system of international law in this area.