(After reading President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s congratulatory message on the Day of Friendship of Peoples)

There is no greater power than friendship in this world,

It brings value to life, breath to every soul.

It knows no borders, no limits in space —

For the strength of friendship lies in faith and trust.

Indeed, the foundation of the edifice of friendship built upon faith and trust is solid, and the roots of the tree of friendship are strong.

As our President has specially emphasized, the ethnic diversity that has continued on our land since ancient times is a unique social phenomenon. It is remarkable that today, under the conditions of the New Uzbekistan, it is gaining new meaning, content, and traditions. In this spirit, he warmly congratulated representatives of all nationalities and ethnic groups who live in unity as one big family in our country.

It is true that in our homeland, which is becoming a land of peace, friendship, and mutual compassion, the idea of friendship among peoples carries profound significance.

Throughout human history, the ideas of friendship, harmony, and peace have always been the foundation of all noble actions. In particular, the idea of friendship between peoples is a priceless moral basis that ensures mutual respect and tolerance among nations, ethnicities, and religions. This idea is not only historically important, but in today’s era of globalization, its significance and necessity are increasing day by day.

First of all, it is worth noting that the friendship of peoples is a measure of human morality.

Friendship among peoples is a concept that fosters trust, unity, and fraternity among different nations. It ensures not only political and social stability, but also strengthens cultural ties between nations and instills the spirit of humanism. Our great thinkers also established justice, love, and respect as the criteria for human relations. As Alisher Navoi rightly said, “A world without love is truly desolate.”

Uzbekistan stands as a clear example of the politics of friendship among peoples.

In independent Uzbekistan, friendship among peoples has been elevated to the level of state policy. More than 130 nationalities and ethnic groups live together like one family and actively participate in the country’s development as equal citizens. Interethnic harmony and religious tolerance have become a key priority of our domestic policy.

As a result of such a policy, the activities of “Friendship Houses,” national cultural centers, traditional cultural festivals, literary evenings, and events such as the Day of Friendship of Peoples are further strengthening the bonds of unity and friendship among all nations living in our country.

There is also a deep connection between history and the future that is tied to this very idea.

The idea of friendship among peoples is not only important for today but also serves as a vital foundation for the future. Peace and prosperity are established in a united and harmonious society. Therefore, instilling this idea in children from an early age, and promoting values of humanism, tolerance, and interethnic friendship through the education system, helps strengthen society as a whole.

As emphasized in the President’s message, effective cooperation has been established between state and non-governmental organizations in this direction, with efforts being united and conducted on a large and systematic scale.

For example, the 157 national cultural centers, 42 friendship societies, and over 100 communities of our compatriots abroad, working in cooperation with state institutions, are achieving notable results in fostering an environment of friendship and tolerance, promoting harmony between national and universal values, and developing cultural-educational relations and public diplomacy with foreign countries.

We rightfully take pride in our compatriots of various nationalities who, through their honest labor and patriotic spirit, are making invaluable contributions to the socio-economic potential of our republic. They work sincerely in responsible positions in government and public organizations and are honored with the highest awards of our nation for their devoted service. Among them are deputies, senators, renowned industrial workers, entrepreneurs, and representatives of education, medicine, science, culture, literature, art, and sports.

Such noble compatriots, who have tied their destiny and future to Uzbekistan, also serve as exemplary figures in strengthening friendly and cooperative relations between our country and their historical homelands.

Moreover, in his message, the President praised the active participation of national cultural centers in national celebrations such as Navruz and Independence Day, as well as in other public events, which have become beloved traditions and shared values for all of us.

Our President also acknowledged: “In recent years, thanks to our firm political will, friendly relations with our brotherly neighboring countries have reached a new level, and the emergence of the concept and reality of the ‘Central Asian spirit’ in global politics is our common achievement.”

A clear example of this is the installation of the “Friendship Arrow” this March at the point where the borders of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan converge — a bright symbol of strengthening good neighborliness and strategic partnership.

“Our greatest wealth,” says our head of state, “is to further strengthen the peace and stability, mutual respect, and harmony in our country; to raise our youth as bearers of national and universal values, knowledge, enlightenment, and professional skills; and to deepen the principles of inclusiveness.”

By mobilizing all our resources and capabilities to firmly protect the rights and interests of representatives of all nationalities and faiths who proudly identify as citizens of Uzbekistan, as well as our compatriots abroad, in accordance with our Constitution and laws — we are responding to the President’s call and vision for the future.

In conclusion, it must be said that the friendship of peoples is not just a slogan, but an eternal, noble, and vital idea. It is a spiritual and moral foundation essential for the stable development, peace, and future progress of humanity. To cherish this idea and instill its essence in every human heart is one of the most honorable missions of today and tomorrow.

Rakhimboy Jumaniyozov

Member of the Writers’ and Journalists’ Unions of Uzbekistan,

University Press Secretary