Address by the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Leader of the Nation, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, at the Military Parade Commemorating the 35th Anniversary of State Independence

September 7, 2026, Dushanbe

Esteemed Generals, Officers and Soldiers!

Dear compatriots!

Today, the glorious and proud people of Tajikistan are on the eve of a great national holiday — the 35th anniversary of State Independence.

For every citizen of the country, this historic date is a symbol of pride in our national statehood, respect for the sacred values of independence and freedom, as well as responsibility for the present and future of the country.

Indeed, independence and freedom are our greatest historic achievement and the foundation for the development of our national statehood.

On the occasion of this great and sacred national holiday, I sincerely congratulate the entire people of Tajikistan, the officers and soldiers of the Armed Forces and other military structures, law enforcement officers, veterans of military service, and all of you — participants of this military parade.

Esteemed participants!

Over the 35 years of State Independence, Tajikistan has traversed an extremely difficult and arduous path and endured severe historical trials. The first years of independence were particularly challenging for our country.

The imposed civil war of the early 1990s inflicted enormous political, economic, and social damage on the Tajik state, which was taking its first independent steps.

During those difficult days, restoring the constitutional order, ensuring peace and tranquility, law and order, the rule of law, and national unity became tasks of historic and existential importance.

Despite all difficulties, the Tajik people and their conscious, courageous, and worthy sons, guided by national wisdom and a profound sense of responsibility, succeeded in preserving their national state from destruction, safeguarding the Tajik nation from disintegration, ensuring political stability, and laying a solid foundation for the sustainable development of the country.

In fulfilling this historic task and mission of vital importance, the servicemen of the Armed Forces and law enforcement officers played an outstanding role, demonstrating exceptional courage and self-sacrifice in defending the constitutional order and state security, safeguarding the peace and tranquility of the people, and ensuring the rule of law.

The history of the past 35 years has clearly demonstrated that the Tajik nation has possessed, since ancient times, a rich civilization and culture, a constructive way of thinking, centuries-old traditions of statehood, as well as peaceful and humanitarian values.

In the highly complex and vulnerable conditions of today's world, preserving and strengthening these values, enhancing patriotism and a sense of responsibility, protecting national security, ensuring social stability, and maintaining a peaceful, constructive political and social atmosphere are of vital and historic importance to the state and the Tajik nation.

Under such circumstances, the responsibility of the servicemen of the Armed Forces and law enforcement officers increases many times over with each passing day.

As one of the fundamental pillars of statehood and a guarantee of the country's security and stability, they are entrusted by the Constitution of Tajikistan with the duty to defend the great blessing of independence and freedom.

Today, we proudly declare that over the 35 years of State Independence, the Armed Forces of Tajikistan have developed into a modern, well-organized, powerful, and professional force.

At present, servicemen of the Armed Forces and other military structures, as well as law enforcement officers, perform their duties with a high sense of national self-awareness, courage, and dedication.

I emphasize that a high sense of patriotism is manifested, first and foremost, in the conscientious performance of one's duties, respect for the law, a responsible attitude toward one's responsibilities, and readiness to protect national interests.

Therefore, compliance with the law and the requirements of military regulations, continuous improvement of professionalism and responsibility, devotion to the Motherland, the state and the people of Tajikistan are the most important and sacred duties of every officer and soldier.

We must always remember that military service is not merely the performance of professional duties, but also an expression of honor, dignity, and the conscientious fulfillment of one's filial duty to the native land of our ancestors.

Every serviceman must understand that the security of the country directly depends on his knowledge and skills, high level of professionalism, courage, bravery, and vigilance.

Esteemed Officers and Soldiers!

Today's military parade is a symbol of high discipline and combat readiness, as well as the devotion and loyalty of the courageous and valiant sons of Tajikistan to the state, the Motherland, and the nation.

The 35-year history of State Independence has demonstrated that the officers and soldiers of the Armed Forces and law enforcement officers, serving as a reliable shield and protecting the security and stability of the state, as well as the peaceful and tranquil life of the people of Tajikistan, have earned the respect and pride of the citizens of the country.

I am confident that the servicemen of the Armed Forces and law enforcement officers — the loyal and devoted sons of the people of Tajikistan — will continue to conscientiously fulfill their duties, demonstrating a high sense of responsibility and sincere patriotism.

Once again, I sincerely congratulate the entire worthy people of the country and all of you — the courageous and valiant defenders of the Motherland — on the 35th anniversary of the State Independence of our beloved country, Tajikistan.

I wish every family in the country, above all, good health and happiness, and every serviceman strength of spirit and steadfast determination.

May the State Independence of Tajikistan be eternal and inviolable!

Glory to the officers and soldiers of the Armed Forces and the law enforcement officers of independent Tajikistan!