Author: master

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Bismillahir rahmanir rahim.

Dear compatriots, our fathers and mothers!

Dear guests!

Once again, I sincerely congratulate you, all our people, the entire Muslim ummah of the far and near foreign countries on the holy month of Ramadan.

I wish you all peace, tranquility, health and well-being.

In this blessed month, we are happy to spend the ceremony of iftarlik (evening meal in the days of Muslim fasting) together with our people on our fertile land, for which we endlessly thank Allah the Merciful. 

Taking this opportunity I express my heartfelt gratitude to the distinguished guests among us – ambassadors of foreign states, representatives of international organizations, heads of confessions for high respect and attention to our country and people.

Dear friends!

As you know, in recent years we have made significant efforts to preserve our national and religious values, to develop them in line with modern requirements.

The noble idea “For the sake of man, for the sake of his happiness” is becoming programmatic in our activities in this field. Based on it, ensuring the rights and interests of every compatriot, irrespective of nationality, language and religion, comes to the forefront in the life of society. Thus, the complete fulfillment of the constitutional rights of citizens in the sphere of freedom of conscience is vividly manifested in the current month of Ramadan. 

The noble values prescribed to us by our sacred religion, such as friendship and harmony, kindness and support, patience and endurance, morality and decency, and the pursuit of science and enlightenment, are being strengthened in society every day.

Special attention is paid to a thorough study of the humanistic meaning of Islam religion, collection and wide popularization of the treasury of our great history and culture, rich heritage of the prominent thinkers.

On the way to this noble goal, the Center of Islamic Civilization is being built in Tashkent, attracting great interest among many in the country and abroad as a grandiose scientific and spiritual project implemented in Uzbekistan for the first time.

The Center, which embodies the accomplishments of many thousands of years of development, confirms that Islamic civilization in our country has developed precisely through science, education and upbringing, culture and enlightenment.

It is worthy of special attention that it not only preserves monuments of antiquity, but also inspires our people, our youth for future great discoveries.

As you know, the construction of the majestic complex of our great compatriot, the sultan of hadith science, Imam Bukhari, is proceeding rapidly in Samarkand.

Here, along with a museum dedicated to his life and work and scientific institutions, a mosque with a capacity of up to 10 thousand people is built.

This year, together we will inaugurate these two majestic structures – the Center for Islamic Civilization and the Imam Bukhari Complex.

In order to further explore the invaluable contributions of our people to Islamic religion and philosophy, another important decree has recently been issued. This year, we will widely commemorate the 1155th anniversary of Imam Maturidi, our distinguished ancestor, philosopher, and great representative of the science of qalam.

In particular, his tomb site in Samarkand will be further improved.

Most importantly, this work will become a new significant step in the study of the legacy of Imam Maturidi and the teachings of Maturidism on a scientific basis, in cooperation with scholars and ulema from Uzbekistan and other countries.

Dear friends!

The tasks of strengthening peace and harmony in our multinational society, as well as fostering friendship and unity among representatives of different nations and faiths, remain at the center of our constant attention.

In September this year, we will hold a prestigious international forum in Tashkent and Samarkand. This major event is titled “Dialogue of Declarations”. It will serve as a logical continuation of the forum that took place in Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara in 2022 and will provide a unique platform for an educational dialogue among representatives of different religious beliefs.

Here, I would like to emphasize once again: the peace and stability prevailing in our country are our greatest treasures. We are firmly committed to continuing our efforts to carefully preserve this invaluable asset and to strengthen the atmosphere of friendship, equality, and tolerance in the country.

We will mobilize all our resources and capabilities for this purpose.

This issue, especially in the current challenging times, holds an exceptionally important place in our policy of freedom and openness to the world.

Dear compatriots!

The New Uzbekistan, with its new priority principles, in particular the social state status clearly enshrined in our Constitution, is pursuing a truly national and people-centred policy.

Let me give you an example. Last year alone, 16 trillion soums worth of material assistance and benefits were provided to people in need of support. 51 thousand children from low-income families were placed in kindergartens, 176 thousand members of low-income families received medical assistance, 182 thousand were covered by social services.

Through the “Kindness and Support” fund, about 94 thousand low-income families were reimbursed 130 billion soums for medical treatment, food, clothing and utility bills.

3.5 million women received assistance under the “Women’s notebook” for 5 trillion 700 billion soums. Since the introduction of the “Youth notebook”, 1 million 300 thousand young people in need have received social assistance worth 1 trillion 700 billion soums.

Most importantly, this work is consistently continued.

Dear participants of the event!

Another priority of the New Uzbekistan – “green” development.

Currently a new ecological space is being created in the country. This is precisely the goal of the nationwide project “Yashil Makon”.

This year has been declared the Year of Environmental Protection and Green Economy in the country, and a special State program is under implementation.

Recently, at a meeting of the Interfaith Council held in an expanded format for the first time in the city of Khiva, representatives of the country’s religious communities adopted an appeal calling for active participation in this State program.

Of course, we gratefully acknowledge the dedication of esteemed ulema, representatives of the older generation, and the wider public in carrying out good deeds. As part of the “Yashil Makon” project, during the spring season alone, clergy members planted more than 10 thousand trees and around 32 thousand flowers, while 25 hectares of land around mosques and places of worship were improved.

It is also gratifying that the Hajis of our country (those who have completed the sacred pilgrimage) continue to set a personal example in many charitable activities. Last year, under the leadership of Mufti Nuriddin Kholiknazar, they launched an initiative “As Patriots of the New Uzbekistan, let us become advocates of spirituality”. As part of this initiative, material assistance amounting to 6.3 billion soums has been provided to low-income and bereaved families to this day.

We wholeheartedly thank them for such noble deeds.

Dear compatriots!

Today we all are witnesses of the unstable and very complex situation in the world.

We are deeply concerned that most of the contradictions and conflicts are unfortunately taking place in the Islamic world. There is a growing threat of expanding areas of tension and their spread to entire regions.

Today, it is more urgent than ever to further strengthen the unity and harmony of the Islamic ummah in order to ensure peace and stability in Muslim countries.

Another issue should be at the center of our attention – it is related to the threats that poison the hearts and minds of our young people and destroy their lives.

The role of our respected imam-hatibs, representatives of the older generation with great life experience, mahalla activists, hojis is undoubtedly invaluable in popularizing knowledge and enlightenment among the youth, protecting them from the influence of alien ideas.

We all highly appreciate your activity in this field.

The precept of our great ancestor Bahauddin Nakshband: “Let your hands be in labor and Allah in your heart” has become our main conviction in life. Training the youth in labor and profession is extremely important in their upbringing.

I am sure our respected elders, mahalla activists, skillful farmers, entrepreneurs will teach the youth to work honestly, to live in relentless search for the welfare of their families and prosperity of the Motherland.

Dear friends!

During the holy month in 9,500 mahallas of the country, dastarkhans were set up for low-income families for iftarlik and charitable work was carried out.

Hazrat Mufti and imam-hatibs actively participated in local events, visiting the people in need.

I think that such noble ceremonies held under the slogan “Ramadan is the month of generosity, unity and benevolence” serve to elevate human value, unity of all compatriots with pure thoughts.

As our great ancestor Alisher Navoi wrote: “The deed of the good is to do good”. It is due to goodness and good deeds that life on earth continues and is illuminated with light.

In the holy month of Ramadan, on the eve of Qadr Night, when all good hopes come true, we raise our hands in prayer that peace, prosperity and kindness always reign in our country, in the whole world!

May our lives be filled with happiness and well-being!

May our esteemed fathers and mothers, who offer their gratitude to the Almighty, live in good health!

May loving sisters and brothers be our steadfast support!

May our educated, energetic, and proactive youth bring even greater glory to our homeland all over the world!

May our noble and hardworking people always be blessed with happiness! 

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In the framework of the Year of Environmental Protection and Green Economy large-scale greening continues across the country. In the capital’s Bektemir district another green zone has been established.

The Head of State together with the representatives of state bodies and the public took part in tree planting.

Earlier this territory between Iykota, Manjuntol, Zilola, Rokhat and Ikbol mahallas remained underdeveloped. Now, owing to the united efforts of the residents, a new park is being created here. On three hectares of land 3 thousand trees and shrubs have been planted in accordance with the concept of forest gardening. Responsible services are assigned for their watering and care.

During the event, a warm conversation was held with representatives of the mahallas, the older generation and youth. The President expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to this noble project and congratulated those gathered on the upcoming Navruz holiday.

Within the framework of the beautification month announced on the initiative of the President, the mahallas are actively engaged in agricultural development and planting greenery.

It is expected to plant 125 million trees this spring. At the same time, special attention is paid to proper choice of planting sites and improvement of irrigation systems. The trees planted in the new park will be a continuation of this large-scale initiative.

In accordance with the State Program of the Year of Environmental Protection and Green Economy, 18 forestry farms specializing in the cultivation of seedlings will be established this year. In them, based on the principle of “science – project – practice”, genetic breeding work will be strengthened and plantations will be expanded. In addition, a platform called “Yashil Olam” will be launched to enable online purchase of seedlings.

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During the visit to the capital’s Bektemir district President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited Iykota mahalla, where he got acquainted with the current creative and improvement work.

About 6 thousand people live in this mahalla, there are 37 apartment buildings and 1.4 thousand individual houses. Due to the targeted mahalla development program implemented across the country, new housing has also been built in Iykota mahalla, roads and sidewalks have been repaired, courtyards and green areas have been landscaped.

Last year, a three-story mahalla administration was built in the mahalla, and this year, general education school No. 358 was commissioned using state budget funds. The Head of State visited the new educational institution.

The school, designed to accommodate almost 1,000 students, is equipped with modern classrooms for various disciplines, laboratories, computer classes, a foreign language center, a robotics club and a library. In addition, a gymnasium, a soccer field and a spacious canteen provide comfortable conditions for students.

During the conversation with teachers, the President emphasized the importance of identifying children’s abilities, developing a system of vocational training and preparing young people for independent life. Special attention was paid to the expansion of training in information technology, engineering and robotics, as well as the education of teenagers in the spirit of patriotism.

Two private kindergartens opened on the first floors of new apartment buildings, which became a festive gift for parents on the eve of Navruz.

The mahalla actively implements the principle of maximizing the use of internal opportunities for employment. There are 70 trade and service outlets, as well as two manufacturing enterprises, contributing to the creation of jobs.

Within the framework of the Month of Development and Improvement announced on the initiative of the President, the residents of the mahalla are actively engaged in growing agricultural crops, effectively utilizing their homestead plots.

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On March 5, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Nurlan Yermekbayev, who is on a visit to our country.

Topical issues of expanding multilateral partnership within the framework of this authoritative organization were discussed.

Importance of increasing practical cooperation in combating common challenges and threats to stability and security, as well as further deepening of cooperation based on the principles of good-neighborliness, trust and partnership was emphasized.

Particular attention was paid to continuing the process of modernizing the SCO activities launched at the Samarkand summit, including improving the efficiency of the work of all SCO structures.

The need to implement the Concept of Development of the New Economic Dialogue and a number of other initiatives of our country was noted. These include the adoption of an agreement on trade facilitation, an e-commerce program, a set of measures to stimulate investment, a plan for digitalization in logistics, the “SCO Future Technologies” program, the Atlas of Food Security and others.

Preparation for the upcoming SCO summit in China was also discussed.

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On March 5 President of the Republic of Uzbekistan attended a meeting of the National council on combating corruption. The meeting analysed the work carried out on creating corruption-free environment and defined further goals.

In his speech, the Head of State mentioned that corruption is a serious challenge in the course of reforms.

In this connection in the past years laws were adopted and a new system on combating this vice was created. Responsible committees were formed in the parliamentary chambers, a National council and Anti-Corruption Agency were established.

Particular attention is paid to creating conditions where the public can openly raise and discuss the problem of corruption. The role and influence of the media in this sphere are raising.

Primarily, measures are taken to combat the causes of corruption. For example, the abandonment of allocation of land plots by decisions of khokims and transition to the auction system made the allocation process more open. There have also been positive changes in this area since the introduction of the “Shaffof Kurilish” program.

The adoption of the law on public procurement, digitalization of the system of elections and tenders, as well as the establishment of healthy competition allowed saving 14 trillion soums of budget funds last year.

Today, all banks provide household loans up to 100 million soums online in 5 minutes without human involvement. As a result, thousands of bankers, who used to process such applications, now work directly in mahallas, offering projects and credit programs, thus contributing to the growth of the customer base.

In the pre-school and school education system, more than 10 types of services have been fully converted to electronic format, reducing the number of applications by 2.5 times.

The higher education system was also digitalized: a system for taking tests and selecting universities based on their results was introduced, and the automated receipt of 35 types of documents reduced the number of requests by 2.2 times.

Due to the use of body cameras by traffic safety inspectors, the sale of license plates through auctions, and the elimination of paper protocols, corruption factors have been significantly reduced.

Services to the population and entrepreneurs are organized on the basis of the principle of “the state serving the people”: the requirements to provide 120 types of documents, more than 160 licenses and permits have been abolished. This led to the emergence of almost 200 thousand new entrepreneurs in the market, and the number of enterprises with foreign participation increased almost 5 times, reaching 23 thousand.

The number of electronic public services increased 15 times, reaching 721, and the number of their users exceeded 11 million.

Most importantly, these measures have strengthened the faith of the population, entrepreneurs, foreign partners, international organizations and investors in the ongoing reforms. Over the past seven years, over $120 billion in investments have been attracted, and the country’s economy has doubled, reaching $115 billion last year.

The President emphasized that the fight against corruption is an ongoing process and outlined the current issues and future tasks in this sphere.

It was noted that law enforcement agencies are mainly focused on detecting and punishing corrupt acts, while preventive measures aimed at eradicating corruption factors are neglected.

In this regard, it was decided to change the working methodology of the Anti-Corruption Agency. As an experiment, compliance control in five agencies – the Ministries of Health, Construction, Water Resources, Joint Stock Companies “Uzbekneftegaz” and “Uzsuvtaminot” will be transferred to the Agency.

In addition, an in-depth study of factors of domestic and systemic corruption will be conducted at the district level, which will be used to develop specific measures and submitted to the National Council.

It was noted that 75 percent of corruption crimes are committed in the form of domestic corruption in districts and mahallas, so the composition of the regional councils on combating corruption will be completely renewed. They will be headed by chairmen of regional councils of people’s deputies.

The regional councils will propose to the National Council amendments to legislation aimed at eradicating corruption factors and ensuring inevitability of punishment.

Eight years ago, a system of sectors for the integrated development of territories was introduced. They contributed to solving socio-economic problems. In recent years, the potential of the regions has increased significantly.

In this regard, it was decided that prosecutors, heads of internal affairs and tax authorities would no longer be involved in sector activities. Additional tasks have been set to prevent and combat crime.

Special attention is paid to preventing corruption in public procurement. An Expert Commission will be established for this purpose. Based on best practices, an electronic platform will be developed to monitor that the prices of goods and services purchased through public procurement do not exceed the market average by more than 20 percent. Accountability measures and fines will be introduced for violation of this requirement.

Requirements for the procurement of fixed assets at the expense of the budget and extra-budgetary funds will also be tightened. Domestic transportation and furniture will be given priority in procurement by government agencies, and a requirement for evaluation against high anti-corruption standards will be introduced for major projects.

The fight against corruption begins with the selection of professional and dedicated employees for the civil service. In this regard, instructions have been given to improve procedures for hiring and evaluating candidates.

The need to adopt a law on the declaration of income of civil servants was noted, and a draft of this law will be submitted for public discussion.

The importance of instilling the ideas of honesty in educational institutions was emphasized in order to educate a new generation intolerant of corruption, as well as to support the initiatives of young people.

Addressing the public, the President said that the fight against corruption is a national task and a matter of conscience for every patriot of the country.

– If we all join forces, we will definitely achieve significant positive results. That is why mahalla activists, the older generation, intellectuals, writers and poets, art and culture workers, businessmen, well-known figures, leaders, deputies and senators – the entire public should become united and consider corruption as a “plague on the body of society”.

During the meeting, a dialogue was held with members of parliament, government representatives and the public.

For the first time, the event held in such a format demonstrated a strong political will to fight corruption.

The Head of State presented 55 concrete initiatives, which will include the development of 5 laws, 12 decrees and resolutions, as well as strengthening the role of Parliament, National and Regional Councils and civil society institutions in the fight against corruption.

The legal basis for the fight against corruption will be strengthened: the introduction of a new system of income declaration and a procedure for preventing illicit enrichment will reduce corruption factors. The activities of the Anti-Corruption Agency and internal control structures in organizations will be strengthened.

The responsibility of heads of ministries and agencies in preventing domestic corruption will be increased. A system of public evaluation of the quality of public services will be established, and strict measures will be taken against managers with the worst performance.

The independence of control inspections will be strengthened, and corruption prevention mechanisms will be introduced in major investment projects and auctions.

By streamlining the public procurement system and restricting direct procurement, budget savings will be achieved, and diversion of public funds will be curbed.

The freed resources will be mobilized to fight crime, which will lead to greater stability in society and increase the confidence of citizens. Strengthened prosecutorial oversight of illegal inspections will contribute to improving the business and investment climate in the regions.

The achieved results will improve the position of our country in international ratings, and by 2027 conditions will be created for Uzbekistan’s candidacy for the UNCAC conference.

Most importantly, the legal consciousness of the population, especially young people, will be raised, and the society will form ownership of the fight against corruption.