By Roy Lie A Tjam.
The 24th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan has been celebrated at a reception hosted by the nation’s Ambassador, H.E. Vladimir Norov.
The Embassy of Uzbekistan with accreditation to the EU, including the Netherlands, is located in Brussels, but the Ambassador travelled to The Hague to mark this special occasion with fellow diplomats accredited to the Netherlands.
For a photo-album on the 24 Anniversary of the Independence of Uzbekistan please cklick here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157659465401931
It was a tremendous evening, full of Uzbek culture including dance by Sanam, a group headed by popular artists Mrs. Rushana Sultan ova and Mr. Shukhrat Vakhidov. There was also traditional music and cuisine.
“Independence was a great event for us” observed Dr. Norov in his welcome remarks to guests. “It has totally changed the meaning and essence of our life and opened up a new page in our history. It has liberated our country and people from the chains of an old totalitarian regime, and subsequently paved the way for the establishment of a national democratic state and the building of a prosperous future.”
During the course of his speech, Ambassador Vladimir Norov not only expounded on the flourishing economy of his country but also on the centuries long cooperation between Uzbekistan and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Of particular note is the fact that Uzbek students are flocking the University of Wageningen and Leiden among others. One student in attendance praised highly the Dutch education system; he is pursuing a Masters in Wageningen, and is progressing very well.
The Ambassador noted that despite the ongoing global economic crisis, Uzbekistan’s economy has grown immensely since independence; real per capita income has increased nine-fold, while life expectancy has grown from 67 to 73 years. Today, Uzbekistan ranks fifth among the fastest developing states in the world and, during the past 11 years, GDP growth rate has reached some 8 per cent.
“These transformations, based upon the slogan ‘Don’t destroy the old house before constructing the new one’ have allowed us to reform all branches of the economy without losses, ensure balanced development, and set the basis for a new society” said the Ambassador.
Dr. Norov, a former high ranking Civil Servant at the MFA, recounted the bumpy road toward signing the Florence Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation between Uzbekistan and the EU. This laid the legal framework for the development of bilateral relations with both European Union and its Member States, including the Netherlands. Positions held at the time, notably by the UK, were tough but the Agreement was signed and is now bearing fruit.
One of the main highlights of the Ambassador’s speech was the presentation of awards. One was to Dr. Mayelinne De Lara for her personal efforts in strengthening cooperation between Uzbekistan and Diplomat Magazine and, by extension, the diplomatic community in the Netherlands.
The other award was presented to Dr. Neno Kukurić, Director of the International Groundwater Resources Assessment Centre (IGRAC).
H.E. Ambassador Vladimir Norov concluded with the following words: “I would like to reiterate that the Netherlands is an important partner of Uzbekistan in Europe and we believe that the establishment of long-term and sustainable bilateral cooperation based on partnership and trust uniquely meets the interests of both countries.”
