Tajik President Emomali Rahmon sent a congratulatory telegram to his colleague Islom Karimov on 1 September on the occasion of Uzbekistan’s independence.

As a Regnum news agency correspondent has learnt at the presidential press service, the telegram says: "I am really pleased to congratulate you and the entire Uzbek people on the anniversary of the state independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Tajikistan appreciates long-lasting traditions of sincere friendship and good-neighbourliness as well as sacred ties linking the two peoples and states. We are full of determination to enrich this invaluable heritage with a new content in keeping with the requirements of the current dynamic times."

Emomali Rahmon wished Islom Karimov sound health and the Uzbek people peace and prosperity.