Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Jan.12 / Trend D.Azizov /
"Ensuring modernization and improvement of the combat readiness of the Armed Forces and their ability to give timely and fitting rebuff to any aggression against our country acquire significant importance in a rapidly changing modern world, under growing security threats and challenges," the congratulatory message of president Islam Karimov on the occasion of the Day of Defenders of the Motherland and 21st anniversary of the foundation of the Uzbek Armed Forces says.
Among the threats, the head of Uzbekistan mentioned the risk of proliferation of nuclear technology and weapons of mass destruction, growing confrontation, political and religious radicalism and extremism, as well as growing tensions in connection with the forthcoming withdrawal of ISAF from Afghanistan before and after 2014.
According to him, one should not underestimate the expansion of non-traditional threats to international security such as cybercrime, the negative impact of using information and communication technologies.
"The situation is seriously being exacerbated by rivalry of external forces in the region. Serious challenges and threats are emerging due to the intensification of activities by armed gangs and subversive and terrorist groups in border areas, as well as because of social and economic problems, political and interethnic conflicts that could lead to destabilization of the military-political situation," Uzbek president said.
President reminded that according to the concept of foreign policy adopted in December, Uzbekistan has made clear its stance on distancing from various military-political blocs and alliances, on its strong position to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and on refusing to deploy in its territory of foreign military bases, as well as on its independent, consistent and active foreign policy".
At the same time, the most important condition and a guarantee of the consistent implementation of the foreign policy strategy is continuation of the comprehensive strengthening of the combat readiness of the armed forces.
"The utmost attention should be paid to the issues of equipping the armed forces with modern types of weaponry and equipment. In this area is necessary to significantly improve and expand the scope of the international military-technical cooperation with foreign partner countries. In this field it is necessary to significantly improve and expand the scope of international military-technical cooperation with foreign partner countries," the head of Uzbekistan said.
According to him, given the new image of conscripted military service, a new image of the national army, it is necessary to "resolutely abandon old stereotypes and patterns, radically change existing military regulations, instructions, regulations and instructions, review forms and methods of training and educational work as well as service-combat activities."
The Day of Defenders of the Motherland is marked Uzbekistan on January 14.