Mirziyoyev: 558 citizens received state awards of Uzbekistan

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced that 558 citizens of Uzbekistan were awarded state awards in honor of the 35th anniversary of the country's independence.

At the awards ceremony, the head of state congratulated those present on the anniversary, noting that 35 years, although a short period in history, are comparable to an entire century in their scale, achievements, and results. He emphasized that the true architects of these transformations are the hardworking and noble people of Uzbekistan.

The President noted that the value of independence is manifested in the work of farmers and dehkans (peasants) who ensure abundance in rural areas; teachers and mentors who provide education and upbringing; and doctors who save lives. He particularly emphasized the role of scientists who bring new ideas and discoveries; industrialists and entrepreneurs who create modern enterprises; and builders and architects who improve cities and villages.

Mirziyoyev also emphasized that the strength and power of independence are manifested in the excellence of cultural, artistic, and athletic figures, as well as in the work of civil servants who ensure the implementation of reforms in every mahalla and every home. He also commended the work of aksakals and mahalla activists, who unite people around noble causes, as well as the courage of military personnel and law enforcement officers who ensure peace and tranquility in the country.

"The main result of the New Uzbekistan is a changed individual, a citizen confident in his abilities, and a society that feels a sense of belonging to the future!" the head of state declared, expressing deep gratitude to his selfless compatriots and the entire nation, who are the main force and support of independence.

The President emphasized that the country is confidently moving toward building a New Uzbekistan, where human dignity is valued above all else, and where justice and progress are the foundation of development. He noted that, thanks to joint work with the people over the past decade, the country's economy has been growing steadily and at a rapid pace.

Over the past period, the country has received over $160 billion in foreign investment, and the economy has expanded more than 2.5-fold. This year, the gross domestic product is expected to exceed $180 billion.

5.7 million permanent jobs have been created in industry, services, and agriculture. With the participation of the public and private sectors, modern schools with 1.2 million places, kindergartens with 342,000 places, and medical facilities with 62,000 places have been commissioned.

To improve transportation accessibility, 83,000 kilometers of local public roads have been built and repaired. In the regions, 8 million people received centralized drinking water for the first time, and 11.5 million people experienced improved water supply.

Over the past ten years, 650,000 families have received new modern houses and apartments, meaning at least 2.5 million people have acquired their own homes.

The President also noted that the voice of the New Uzbekistan resonates loudly at the most prestigious international forums, and the state's peace-loving policies, focused on the interests of the people, are receiving recognition worldwide.

"Certainly, all of the above-mentioned changes are being achieved thanks to the work of our multinational people, caring compatriots like you," the head of state said, noting that everyone feels great happiness when they see their work properly recognized.

In connection with the 35th anniversary of independence, 558 dedicated citizens, who live with a sense of belonging to the reforms and work diligently, were awarded high state awards. The President emphasized that he is well aware of the careers of each recipient, their achievements, and their worthy contribution to the country's development.

Among those awarded is Khorezm aksakal Rustam Sultonov, who has dedicated his entire life to creative work and serves as a role model for young people in the improvement of mahallas and villages. The labor achievements of Abdusattor Kurbonov, a veteran of Surkhandarya who made a significant contribution to the development of desert lands and agricultural advancement, were recognized as a true labor feat.

The awarding of the honorary title of "Honored Worker of Industry" to Gulyamzhon Turonov, a longtime steelworker at the Bekabad Metallurgical Plant, was a recognition of the work of all metallurgists.

Also recognized were Ilkhom Ziyevuddinov from Namangan, who achieved high results in cotton and grain cultivation and founded his own school; Jamila Khudoyberdieva, a sericulturist from Bukhara, who ensures high silkworm yields; Esenbay Aytimuratov from Karakalpakstan, who is introducing advanced technologies in livestock farming; and Aslankul Karimkulov, an irrigator from Samarkand, who is contributing to the reduction of water loss.

Nakkosh master Sattorkhozha Tukhtakhuzhaev, who participated in the design of the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan and the Imam Bukhari Complex in Samarkand, was awarded the honorary title of "Honored Builder."