On 8 September, at the National Theatre, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Leader of the Nation, Honorable Emomali Rahmon, attended and addressed a solemn meeting dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the State Independence of the Republic of Tajikistan.

The Head of State, Emomali Rahmon, extended his congratulations and best wishes to the entire honourable people of Tajikistan, as well as to compatriots and fellow Tajiks living abroad, on the occasion of the sacred and historic 35th anniversary of State Independence.

It was emphasized that, for every dignified, patriotic, self-aware and nationally conscious citizen, independence represents the highest symbol of freedom, a clear manifestation of sovereignty and the existence of the Tajik nation of Aryan heritage, a source of pride and dignity, and a fundamental pillar of modern Tajik statehood.

It was noted that 35 years of independence have clearly demonstrated that the Tajiks, as a people of culture and civilization, possess ancient wisdom, steadfast determination, and considerable constructive potential.

President Emomali Rahmon stated that, in the historical memory of the Tajik nation, the first years of the establishment of the modern State remain engraved as an exceptionally difficult and turbulent period. As a result of the imposed civil war in the early 1990s, the country faced a profound political and economic crisis and was engulfed in a devastating civil conflict, while the threat of the collapse of the State and the disintegration of the nation had become a painful reality of those days.

The Leader of the Nation described the historic 16th Session of the Supreme Council, held in 1992 in the city of Khujand, as a decisive turning point in the history of the country, which was then on the brink of collapse, and as the beginning of the establishment of a new national State.

It was noted that the documents and decisions adopted during the Session provided the legal and political foundations for restoring and developing modern Tajik statehood and charted the subsequent course of the country’s development.

“I stated during those fateful days for our country that our ancient land — dear Tajikistan — must find its rightful place in the international community, and that, above all, peace and stability were essential to achieving this objective,” President Emomali Rahmon stated.

The Head of State emphasized: “Today, I proudly and with a deep sense of honour declare that, relying on our national wisdom and with the direct support of the noble people of Tajikistan, we successfully overcame the severe and arduous test of destiny, with a profound sense of responsibility towards our history and the future of our people.”

In his address, the Leader of the Nation spoke about ending the imposed civil war, facilitating the return of refugees, and transforming Tajikistan into a united State.

It was noted that the Tajik experience has been recognized by the international community as a unique example of peace-building and continues to serve as an embodiment of the strong will, high sense of national responsibility and unity of the Tajik people.

According to President Emomali Rahmon, all political, economic, cultural and social achievements, as well as the sustainable progress of Tajikistan, derive from State independence and the historic 16th Session of the Supreme Council. It was precisely at this Session that the National Flag, the first symbol of Tajik statehood, was adopted, laying the foundation for the development and adoption of other State symbols and, most importantly, the Constitution of Tajikistan.

The President also elaborated on the restoration of the constitutional order, the establishment and effective functioning of law-enforcement bodies, the creation of military structures, and the strengthening of the rule of law.

It was noted that, alongside strengthening the legal and constitutional foundations of the State, Tajikistan established and developed its Armed Forces, Border Troops, other military structures and law-enforcement bodies, which constitute fundamental pillars of statehood, under highly complex circumstances and, in practice, from the ground up. This historic undertaking laid a reliable foundation for safeguarding independence and territorial integrity, ensuring national security and maintaining political stability in society.

The Leader of the Nation also spoke about the adoption of State programmes and national strategies aimed at lifting the population out of poverty and ensuring the development and growth of the national economy.

As the Head of State pointed out, “we identified the transition to market relations and the creation of a competitive economy as an essential condition for economic development and the strengthening of State independence.”

It was noted that, in this process, achieving energy independence, overcoming the country’s communication isolation, ensuring food security, and pursuing rapid industrialization were identified as national strategic objectives.

President Emomali Rahmon highly valued the contribution of dedicated and patriotic entrepreneurs to development and construction efforts and expressed his sincere gratitude to all citizens of the country, conscientious entrepreneurs and philanthropists for their valuable contribution to the development and prosperity of the homeland.

The Head of State spoke about the growing international standing of Tajikistan and the recognition of its independence, noting that the adoption, at the initiative of Tajikistan, of 20 resolutions by the United Nations General Assembly, which are currently under implementation, represents a significant manifestation of the international recognition of the country and its nation.

In particular, the adoption of the United Nations General Assembly resolution proclaiming the “Decade for Strengthening Peace for Future Generations, 2027–2036” was described as another confirmation of Tajikistan’s contribution to peace-building and its commitment to promoting the global peace agenda.

It was emphasized that, during the years of independence, tens of thousands of social and production facilities have been constructed throughout the country, contributing to the resolution of numerous issues and challenges facing the population and to the gradual improvement of living conditions.

The Head of State described these achievements and the country’s development as the result of independence and freedom, peace and stability, national unity, and the dedicated efforts of the noble and proud people of Tajikistan.

The Leader of the Nation paid tribute to the cultured and civilization-building, freedom-loving and patriotic, dignified, patient and tolerant, hardworking, constructive and determined people of Tajikistan, expressing his appreciation to all those who faithfully worked alongside the Head of State during the difficult period of nation- and State-building, including people’s deputies, members of the Government, heads of committees and agencies, and representatives of other State structures and authorities.