21.03.2024

In recent days, our country has been transformed into a vast festive arena, towns and villages echoing with the joyous celebrations of Navruz.

This spring, nature has bestowed its bountiful gifts upon us, with abundant rains blessing our land. At such moments, our ancestors heralded a promising start to the year, wishing prosperity for the farmers and abundance for the entire population.

This year, the main Navruz celebrations took place at the Humo Arena complex, graced by the presence of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who congratulated the people.

"It gives me great pleasure to congratulate you, the entire multinational people of Uzbekistan, on the long-awaited holiday of Navruz," the President said.

The philosophy of Navruz is deeply intertwined with our aspirations and practical deeds," the Head of State said.

Through the noble labour of our people, modern businesses, comfortable homes, social and cultural facilities, roads and bridges, parks and gardens are being built. Our country is changing and becoming more beautiful with each passing day. Respect for the dignity and honour of each individual as the highest value, ensuring their life interests, social protection, support for the needy sections of the population and care for each compatriot, regardless of nationality, language or religion, are increasingly being affirmed.

Thanks to the atmosphere of friendship, harmony and good neighbourliness that prevails in the country, as well as its peaceful foreign policy, Uzbekistan's authority on the international stage is growing.

Navruz, which symbolizes the rebirth of nature, is in harmony with youth. In order to further inspire, empower and energize our youth for noble deeds, the current year has been declared the Year of Support for Youth and Business in our country. 36.5 trillion Uzbek soums and US$460 million have been allocated to achieve the goals outlined in this year's State Programme. In total, around 2 million citizens will receive support under all business programmes this year.

The President highlighted the achievements of our youth in international subject Olympiads, cultural and art festivals, information technology and sports, and wished them success in their future endeavours and competitions.

The spirit of Navruz is particularly alive in the life of makhallas. Councils to support the makhallas, the Association of Makhallas of Uzbekistan and its territorial divisions have been established. As a result of targeted efforts over the past two years, the poverty rate in Uzbekistan has fallen from 17% to 11%. The provision of soft loans to nearly 900,000 residents, subsidies to more than 200,000 citizens, and the allocation of 200,000 hectares of land to nearly 700,000 families have all contributed to this.

Starting this year, a new initiative will be implemented in Saykhunabad district of Sirdaryo region. Its essence is to make efficient use of household plots by providing owners with the necessary means and resources, helping them to find markets for their produce, organizing small-scale production in each family and makhalla, and expanding services and facilities.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev stressed that our country has 510,000 hectares of household plots, which represent a huge untapped potential. Active individuals will be supported by the state, including the allocation of grants from 300 million to 1 billion Uzbek soums to entrepreneurs who purchase, process and export products grown in households.

"Support for the makhallas, their development, will always be at the forefront. Indeed, the makhalla is a stronghold of kindness and harmony. The makhalla is a bastion of friendship and kindness. The makhalla is a mirror of the soul of our nation-builder," said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The Head of state congratulated everyone on March 22 - the Day of the Workers of the Makhalla System.

The event was attended by foreign ambassadors and representatives of international organizations. The President congratulated them on the occasion of March 21 - International Navruz Day and extended warm greetings and congratulations to their peoples.

This year's Navruz coincides with the blessed days of the month of Ramadan, which lends a special spirit to the holiday and multiplies its significance.

- In these wonderful moments of spring, following the teachings of our great ancestors, filled with pure thoughts and hopes, we say: May each of our days be as beautiful as Navruz, as blessed and wise as Navruz! - wished the President at the end of his speech.

The celebration continued with a grand concert programme.

Following the festivities, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev participated in folk celebrations, watched national cultural centres and folklore and ethnographic ensembles perform.

"This art, our traditions, have deep historical roots. They are based on great culture and enlightenment. Thank you for preserving and perpetuating this heritage. The power of festivals lies in their harmony with our national values," said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Navruz is equally loved by representatives of all nationalities and ethnic groups. Today, representatives of more than 130 nationalities and ethnic groups live together in peace and harmony in our country, contributing their worthy share to the country's prosperity. There are 38 friendship associations and 153 national cultural centres in the regions.

The Head of State also visited exhibitions and listened to musical performances at these centres. He had sincere talks with representatives of various nationalities and expressed his good wishes to them.