In the international community, the most important concepts for human beings are independence and freedom. For all nations and peoples of human civilization, they are regarded as the highest values and a priceless treasure.
History bears witness to the fact that no country has achieved sustainable development without gaining independence, protecting it and cherishing it, and its people have not been able to find lasting peace and tranquility.
The foundation of all state development is closely connected with independence. Independence embodies the concepts of self-determination, sovereignty, freedom and the full right of every country to manage its political, economic and cultural affairs. Independence represents sovereignty, while freedom encompasses liberation, emancipation and salvation.
A country that possesses independence and freedom is a successful state that takes firm steps along the path of nation-building, achieves social, economic, cultural and political progress, and creates decent and достойные conditions for its citizens. Independence contributes to the development of bilateral and multilateral relations of every state, expanding its ties with foreign countries, international and regional organizations. A sovereign state possesses its own flag, emblem, national anthem, currency, Constitution and other symbols of statehood, which represent it on the international stage.
The Republic of Tajikistan is one of the independent states of the international community, and its name as an independent and united state has its rightful place on the map of the world. In today's international community, there are also peoples with populations of more than 10 million who do not have their own state.
The Tajik people, with a history spanning more than five thousand years, were without a unified and independent state for many years. In the language of history, a people that created culture and civilization for all humanity, after centuries of statelessness, embarked on the creation of an independent and unified state. This took place at the beginning of the last century, starting in 1924. The distinguished sons of the Tajik nation put their lives at risk but never abandoned their aspiration to establish an independent and unified state.
It was through their great efforts that, in 1924, the Tajik Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic was established within Uzbekistan. Although establishing a state under the circumstances of that period was far from easy, the determined Tajik people continued to struggle for the creation of their own unified state until the very end. The result of their tremendous efforts was the establishment of the Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic in 1929. The Tajik nation, which had endured suffering throughout its history, could now proudly say: “We are Tajiks, and we are from Tajikistan.”
All of this created a strong foundation for the establishment of an independent Tajikistan. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the former union republics began declaring their state independence one after another. Tajikistan, which had been one of the union republics, also proclaimed its state independence following the dissolution of the USSR. Independence is the essence of a nation's existence and a means of presenting its achievements to the world.
On 9 September 1991, the Tajik people gained their independent state. However, unlike other Central Asian republics, the process of gaining independence in our country was accompanied by severe difficulties and sacrifices. Disagreements arose among different segments of society, ultimately leading to civil war. Fortunately, the great Tajik culture prevailed, and a sense of unity, national solidarity, mutual understanding and forgiveness in the hope of a prosperous future took root in the minds of citizens. Peace and unity were established in the country.
National unity and peace became the key factors that strengthened state independence and opened the way for the country's social, political and economic development. Peace also made it possible to resolve conflicts within the country, facilitate the return of all refugees to their homeland, and create a genuine foundation for a secure and stable society. However, the early period of independence was extremely difficult for the Tajik people. A devastating imposed war began in the country, the state was brought to the brink of collapse, and the nation faced the danger of fragmentation. In this regard, it should be noted that gaining independence was a great achievement and happiness for the Tajik people; however, the absence of strong political leadership at that time also placed the nation in a very difficult situation.
In this challenging historical period, the distinguished son of the Tajik nation, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, took the reins of state leadership. From the first days of his election as Head of State, the distinguished son of the nation, Founder of Peace and National Unity — Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, established the foundations of the constitutional order, new mechanisms of state administration, and regulations governing the country's economic, social and cultural life. The national currency was introduced into circulation, and the national passport received international recognition.
We established one of the fundamental pillars of an independent state — the National Army and border forces — and placed the protection of our homeland and state borders under constant control.
As the Leader of the Nation, Emomali Rahmon, has emphasized: “One of our most important achievements during the period of Independence is state-building and modern national statehood, which in essence is based on the principles of a rule-of-law, social and secular state.”
The long-suffering Tajik people, seeking to strengthen independence, preserve the territorial integrity of the country, achieve peace, unity and solidarity, and choose the right path of development and progress, adopted the Constitution of the country.
It was precisely through the selfless efforts and unparalleled guidance of the Founder of Peace and National Unity — Leader of the Nation, Emomali Rahmon, that state independence was consolidated, national statehood developed, peace and national unity were restored, and decent and достойные living conditions were created for the people.
For 35 years now, the Tajik people have lived in an atmosphere of peace, unity, independence and freedom. Under the leadership of their wise Leader, Emomali Rahmon, they have achieved great accomplishments, while Tajikistan, through its unique proposals and initiatives, has gained worldwide recognition.
In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that with the achievement of state independence, the responsibilities of each of us have increased. We have been able to take firm steps toward building our beloved country as a democratic and secular society. Today, as the Republic of Tajikistan is recognized as a free country, we, its citizens, must act like the fingers of one hand, like children of one mother, contribute to the development of a new Tajikistan and take pride in the name of our nation.
Long live the celebration of State Independence!
Abdulkhair Abdurahmonzoda,
Head of the Department for Organization of Office Management,
Control and Human Resources
