Baghdad: This year, the people of Uzbekistan celebrate the 35th anniversary of their country’s independence, proudly reflecting on the historic journey the nation has undertaken and looking to the future with unwavering confidence. The speech delivered by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence reflected Uzbekistan’s historic journey, the essence of its ongoing reforms, and the strategic priorities shaping the nation’s future. For the people of Uzbekistan, therefore, independence represents far more than a date on the calendar or a political event; it embodies the restoration of historical memory, national identity, dignity, and a profound sense of pride in their own nation.
According to Iraqi News Agency, the development of relations with the Republic of Iraq, founded on traditional friendship and mutual respect, holds an important place in the open and pragmatic foreign policy of New Uzbekistan. In recent years, political dialogue between the two countries has gained increasing momentum, while practical cooperation in trade, investment, industry, agriculture, transport, tourism, and other promising sectors has witnessed significant growth.
Of particular encouragement is the continued expansion of direct contacts between the business communities of Uzbekistan and Iraq. The Uzbek-Iraqi business forums held in Baghdad and Tashkent have served as effective platforms, bringing together hundreds of businesspeople and representatives of companies and relevant institutions from both countries. These forums have helped identify new opportunities and discuss initiatives and projects of mutual benefit.
The visits of Iraqi business delegations to Uzbekistan, along with trade missions of Uzbek businessmen to Baghdad and Erbil, reflect the increasingly practical and results-oriented shift in relations between the private sectors of the two countries. Uzbekistan’s strong participation in the 2026 Baghdad International Fair, through its national pavilion under the ‘Made in Uzbekistan’ banner, marked another important milestone in the development of economic relations between the two countries.
The participation of around 200 Uzbek businesspeople in this major economic event created valuable opportunities to establish new direct connections between companies and to promote Uzbek products more widely in the Iraqi market. Today, there is growing interest on both sides in expanding bilateral trade, strengthening direct ties between the private sectors, developing industrial cooperation, implementing joint projects, and exploring new opportunities in trade and investment.
Uzbekistan and Iraq are not only linked by present opportunities and common interests, but also by deep historical and cultural ties that have been formed over centuries. The legacy of the Great Silk Road, and the shared traditions in the fields of science, culture, and Islamic civilization, form a solid foundation for spiritual and cultural convergence between the two peoples.
The 35th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence is not just an occasion to review what has been achieved over the past three and a half decades, but also an opportunity to feel the magnitude of responsibility towards the future. Uzbekistan today is stronger than it was yesterday, but the goals set for tomorrow are more ambitious. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized that when the people and the state unite their efforts for a common goal, there will be no limit that cannot be reached.
On the 35th anniversary of its independence, Uzbekistan draws its strength from its rich history, its confidence from the reforms of the present, and its inspiration from the aspirations of the future, as it confidently moves towards a new era of progress, openness, and prosperity. The brave, resilient, and noble people of Uzbekistan are expected to achieve their great goals and continue to build the new Uzbekistan-a modern, prosperous, and open country, where peace and stability prevail, and whose renaissance is based on human dignity, science, and creativity.