Dear soldiers and sergeants, officers and generals!
Veterans of the Armed Forces!
Dear compatriots!

  Sincerely, from the bottom of my heart I congratulate you and in your person all our people on the 29th anniversary of the formation of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Day of Defenders of the Motherland.
  This day has become a truly national holiday in the country, embodying such high civic qualities as patriotism, devotion to the Motherland, courage and courage, which have been inherent in our people from time immemorial.
  The strength and might of our army lies in the unity and solidarity of the servicemen and the entire people. Today we are aware of this especially deeply, as never before.
  As long as we have a source of such great spiritual power, no force can threaten the peaceful and calm life, independence of Uzbekistan and force us to turn away from the path of democratic transformations.
  We are justifiably proud of the brave and courageous servicemen, devoted to their sacred oath - strong and courageous sons of our country, selflessly, with honor serving on land and in the air.
  I express my deep gratitude to all parents of soldiers and officers of the Armed Forces of Uzbekistan, who raised their sons as true patriots, as well as to their spouses, who share with them all the joys and difficulties of military life.
  We see in you a tremendous spiritual strength that is the mainstay of the national army. And today, once again, we note with full satisfaction your worthy contribution to increasing the defense power of our Motherland.

Dear friends!

  Four years ago, we identified the priority areas of fundamental reforms in the field of military construction and on this basis we are carrying out large-scale work to strengthen the country's defense potential and develop the Armed Forces.
  Over the past short period of time, a new Defense Doctrine has been adopted, the structure and tasks of power components have been radically revised, the command and control system has been improved, and important projects have been implemented to equip the national army with modern weapons and equipment.
  A unique system of military-administrative sectors has been created, which has made it possible to increase the role of local government bodies in strengthening the country's defense capability. Most importantly, it served to ensure the unity of the army and the people.
  Today, the Armed Forces of Uzbekistan are a reliable guarantor of the independence of the Motherland, the peaceful and prosperous life of the people, are able to adequately reflect any threat, have become an important institution of patriotic education of youth and military personnel.
  The past 2020 was a serious test for our country, as well as for the whole world.
  We note with great gratitude that our Armed Forces, successfully and with dignity fulfilling their tasks, also took an active part in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, overcoming the consequences of natural and man-made disasters in the Bukhara and Syrdarya regions.
  All this vividly confirms that for our defenders of the Motherland, the noble principle of the great Amir Temur has become a guide to action: "Serving the interests of the people is the sacred duty of every honest person, every leader."
  Special recognition deserves our military doctors, servicemen, law enforcement and rescue service personnel who have shown real courage, bravery, high professionalism and patriotism.
  In this difficult situation, it was decided to create the Military Medical Academy of the Armed Forces, whose activities will contribute to the timely and effective implementation of the urgent tasks we face in the field of protecting the health of our population.
  The new academy, the only one in Central Asia, will focus on training highly qualified specialists in military medicine, including those taking part in emergency response.
  The academy is creating the most modern educational and material base based on innovative developments and world-class technologies.
  The measures taken earlier to improve the organizational structure have made it possible to raise the level of combat training and combat effectiveness of the troops.
  This is evidenced by international exercises, army and sports competitions, where our soldiers, not yielding to the military personnel of the armies of the leading countries of the world, demonstrate their skills, fortitude, will to win, show themselves worthy heirs of our great ancestors.

Dear compatriots!

  Despite the global economic crisis, a large-scale work was carried out last year to provide social protection for servicemen and their families, improve military camps, and form their modern infrastructure.
  Additional jobs have been created for family members of military personnel, over 3 thousand military pensioners have been employed. More than 1 thousand children of the military were provided with state grants to study in higher educational institutions.
  Of course, in the Year of Support for Youth and Strengthening the Health of the Population, this work will be continued and raised to a new, higher level.
  At the recent Youth Forum of Uzbekistan, the Address to the Parliament and the people of the country specifically identified the necessary measures in this direction.
  We mobilize all our forces and opportunities to educate the younger generation of the new Uzbekistan physically strong and spiritually strong, loyal to their Motherland, which our people will rightfully be proud of.
  In the face of growing challenges and threats in the global information space, ideological confrontations, we all need to be vigilant and attentive, have an active civic position.
  Our servicemen, together with state and public organizations, should strengthen the work on the formation of ideological immunity in persons who have fallen under the influence of alien ideas, to assist them and their children in returning to normal life.

Dear defenders of the Motherland!

  We are all well aware that in the context of continuing complex processes, conflicts and confrontations in different regions of the world, we must strengthen our work to ensure peace and security in the country.
  In particular, our main tasks remain to strengthen the country's defense capability, equip the units of the Armed Forces with modern weapons and equipment, widely use information technologies in the command and control system, and further increase the combat and professional potential of troops.
  Undoubtedly, by joint efforts we will achieve these goals, we will ensure a peaceful sky over our homeland, the calm and creative work of our people.

Dear friends!

  On this holiday, I once again congratulate all of you and your family members on the 29th anniversary of the formation of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Day of Defenders of the Motherland.
  I wish you all good health, family happiness, and great success in your noble and responsible service.
  May the high trust and respect of our people always accompany you!

Shavkat Mirziyoyev,
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan,
Supreme Commander-in-Chief
Armed Forces