The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, as part of a working visit to the city of Moscow at the invitation of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, took part in ceremonial events on May 9 in connection with the 79th anniversary of Victory in World War II.

The Victory Parade took place in Red Square. It was also attended by the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, President of Guinea-Bissau Umaro Sissoco Embaló, President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith and President of Cuba Miguel Díaz-Canel.

Numerous historical data and facts confirm the significant contribution of the people of Uzbekistan to the great Victory.

From the first days of the terrible war, our compatriots bravely entered the fight against fascism. At that time, the country’s population was 6.5 million, of which about 2 million were sent to the front. In the struggle for a peaceful and free life, more than 538 thousand brave sons and daughters of our people died, and more than 158 thousand went missing.

Over 214 thousand Uzbek soldiers and officers were awarded military orders and medals. In particular, 301 of our compatriots received the title Hero of the Soviet Union, and 70 were awarded the Order of Glory of all three degrees.

Many talented generals and commanders emerged among Uzbek officers during World War II.

During the war, Uzbekistan became a powerful rear. Many weapons, food, medicine, clothing, tents, parachutes, and other necessary goods were delivered from Uzbekistan to the front. More than 170 plants and factories were transported from war zones to Uzbekistan and quickly put into production. Residents of Uzbekistan in 1941-1943 voluntarily contributed more than 475 million rubles to the defense fund and 22 million rubles in the form of valuable personal items, which became an important contribution to the approach of victory.

In those difficult years, our people set a unique example of humanism and humanity, giving shelter to more than 1 million 500 thousand people evacuated to Uzbekistan from war-torn territories, including more than 250 thousand orphans. The Uzbek people welcomed them with the warmth of their hearts and shared their last piece of bread.

The international community widely recognizes these historical facts, which testify to the unprecedented courage and generosity of our people.

In Uzbekistan, special attention is paid to perpetuating the feat of our ancestors who fought in World War II and worked selflessly on the home front. Participants and disabled war veterans are encouraged annually. Several years ago, the majestic Victory Park complex was created in Tashkent, and it has already been visited by more than 2 million 200 thousand people.

Following the Victory Parade, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, together with the President of Russia Vladimir Putin and other heads of state, laid flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Alexander Garden.

The memorial is a symbol of the heroism and feat of our ancestors – millions of soldiers of various nationalities, including the sons of Uzbekistan, who bravely fought and died for their Motherland in World War II.

The presidents honored the memory of the fallen soldiers with a minute of silence.

The ceremony ended with a solemn march of the guard of honor and orchestra.

Thereupon, the President of Uzbekistan completed his working visit to Russia. Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation Denis Manturov and other officials saw off the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the airport. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has departed for Tashkent.

UzA