Uzbekistan , Tashkent, Aug. 29 / Trend D. Azizov /
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon sent a congratulatory message to Uzbek President Islam Karimov for the national holiday - Independence Day.
"On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Uzbekistan's national independence, I would like to convey my congratulations to you and the people of Uzbekistan, a country with a rich history and cultural heritage, which I visited in 2010", the letter reads.
"Over the past 20 years, Uzbekistan has confirmed itself as an independent state. You have achieved significant progress in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), such as education and healthcare, addressing impacts of climate change and environmental degradation, which significantly impacted your country", Ban Ki-moon reported.
He said Uzbekistan plays a crucial role in regional relations. Ban Ki-moon reiterated his gratitude for the support during the tragic events which occurred in southern Kyrgyzstan in 2010. He noted the country's efforts for economic recovery, peace, and security in Afghanistan, as well as its leadership-role in regional initiatives.
"Your further participation in this activity is indispensable for stability in Afghanistan and Central Asia as a whole", the message reads.
The message also noted Uzbekistan's contribution to the promotion of nuclear non-proliferation, sustainable development, and addressing challenges in climate change.