"Looking into the past, we have to admit a bitter truth: when we spoke about "Uzbeks", only hardworking people who work in the cotton fields were imagined.

Unfortunately, we had fallen to this level.

The rule of cotton was a disaster written on the forehead of the Uzbeks. The cotton policy has dried up the Aral Sea, brought our ecology to a crisis, destroyed our economy and educational system.

As a result, several generations grew up illiterate. We are still dealing with the consequences of this. Today, the principles of market economy have been introduced in cotton growing, and the industry has found its owner.

As a result, the teacher returned to the school, the doctor returned to the hospital, the entrepreneurs were freed from the cotton "tribute", forced and child labor was put an end to. Uzbekistan was removed from international "blacklists".

The dream of New Uzbekistan is becoming a reality with the selfless work and enthusiasm of all of us. Respect and attention towards Uzbekistan in the international arena is increasing more and more.

One of my first tasks as president was to establish friendly relations with neighboring countries. Problems that have been waiting for a solution for years have been solved. As a result of this, our relations with Central Asian countries in all spheres reached a new level," the president said.