To His Excellency, Mr Islom Abduganiyevich Karimov, the president of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Dear Islom Abduganiyevich!

Accept [my] sincere congratulations on the 16th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence.

It is pleasant that at present Russian-Uzbek relations are developing on the principles of strategic partnership and alliance, on the basis of equality, mutual respect and taking into consideration each others’ interests.

We highly assess the reliable and constructive nature of the bilateral political dialogue. It makes it possible to effectively resolve the key issues of business and humanitarian cooperation between our countries, to work out a co-ordinated position on international problems, and to jointly counteract threats to the security and stability of the Central Asian region.

I am sure that all-round fruitful relations between Russia and Uzbekistan will grow with the joint achievements in economic cooperation, as well as in the spheres of culture, science and education.

Dear Islom Abduganiyevich, I wish you sound health and success in your state activities, and the people of friendly Uzbekistan peace, well-being and prosperity.

Yours faithfully,
Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia.