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Speech by President Emomali Rahmon, at the Central Stadium of Khorugh City on the Occasion of the 35th Anniversary of State Independence

Rahmon

Dear compatriots!

Honourable and proud people of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region and the city of Khorugh!

I sincerely congratulate all of you on the occasion of the great and sacred national celebration and the triumph of historical justice — the 35th anniversary of the State Independence of our beloved Tajikistan, which the honourable people of the country recently celebrated with gratitude for lasting peace and stability and in an atmosphere of unity and solidarity.

I proudly and with great satisfaction note that this celebration has become not only a symbol of unity and solidarity, a high sense of national identity and self-awareness, and an unprecedented expansion of development and construction efforts, but also a worthy presentation of Tajikistan and its cultured and civilised people on the international stage.

State independence has entered our modern history as a unique historical phenomenon and a politically defining event, clearly reflecting the ancient culture and civilisation, long-standing and constructive traditions of statehood, revival of national values, national identity and self-awareness, and patriotism of the honourable and proud Tajik nation.

For 35 years, the Tajik nation has safeguarded independence and freedom as the apple of its eye and made unprecedented historic efforts to protect and strengthen them as its most sacred values and most precious blessings of life.

I would like to proudly and with satisfaction emphasise that the dignified and hardworking people of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region have made a worthy contribution to this historic process, particularly in strengthening the values of independence and the foundations of national statehood.

I would also like to recall that the celebration of the 35th anniversary of State Independence is not only an expression of respect for and commemoration of the history and destiny-shaping date of the nation, but also marks the beginning of a new stage of development, construction and further strengthening of national identity and self-awareness.

In this regard, it is worth noting that, in preparation for the 35th anniversary of State Independence, the construction and reconstruction of 1,362 facilities had been planned in the cities and districts of the region.

To date, 1,545 facilities of various purposes have been constructed and commissioned by residents, entrepreneurs and other charitable and generous individuals, significantly exceeding the approved plan.

Therefore, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the patriotic and hardworking people and generous benefactors of the region, including the city of Khorugh.

The Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region is highly valued for its hospitable and culturally rich people, unique nature, vast tourism potential and the rich heritage of Tajik national culture.

Today, the cultural elements of the region’s people, including songs and music, traditional clothing, folk crafts, customs and traditions, and national cuisine, represent the rich history and culture of the Tajik nation, as they reflect the finest traditions of our well-regarded ancestors.

The region’s unique and picturesque nature, towering mountain peaks, Tajikistan National Park, the international Dushanbe–Kulob–Khorugh–Kulma highway, the Wakhan Valley, Lakes Sarez and Karakul, healing springs and other tourist destinations are among the most attractive places for domestic and international tourists seeking travel, treatment and recreation.

By making effective use of these opportunities, we should transform the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region into a major centre for the exchange of tourism experience in the region and, while preserving the noble Tajik traditions of cultural appreciation and hospitality, introduce it to the world even more widely.

Distinguished guests!

The unstable and crisis-ridden conditions of the modern world and their undesirable consequences, including transnational threats and challenges, warn each of us never to lose our political awareness and vigilance in protecting our homeland’s borders and territory, the interests of our nation and state, as well as our ancient national values.

In this regard, we have always relied on young people as a creative and active segment of society and highly value their role in building national statehood.

They should remember that they are the true inheritors of previous generations and the builders of the present and future of our homeland. The prosperous and peaceful future of the state and nation directly depends on their knowledge and education, worldview, sense of responsibility, and constructive and steadfast position.

I am confident that the hardworking people of the region, particularly patriotic young people, will continue to work for the development of their homeland and the strengthening of the potential of our beloved Tajikistan with a strong sense of responsibility, constructive initiatives and pride in national statehood.

With confidence in the bright future of our beloved homeland, I once again congratulate all the honourable people of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region and all of you, distinguished participants, on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of State Independence.

I wish every family in the region good health and happiness, a prosperous and peaceful life, and continued success.

May the sun of independence and freedom always shine brightly over the homes of every resident of the region and herald a prosperous and blessed future for our nation and state.

Happy celebration of patriotic pride and the revival of Tajik national statehood, dear compatriots!

May you always remain healthy and successful!