(On the Occasion of November 16 — the President’s Day of the Republic of Tajikistan)

In the history of every nation, there are events that play a decisive role in determining its future destiny. The XVI Session of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Tajikistan is one such historic and fateful event that created vital conditions for rescuing the newly independent state from the flames of a devastating civil war, restoring constitutional order, stabilizing the political situation, strengthening the rule of law, and ensuring socio-economic development.

Emomali Rahmon.

This year, with gratitude for peace, stability, unity, freedom, and prosperity of our beloved homeland, the proud people of Tajikistan celebrate the 33rd anniversary of the XVI Session of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Tajikistan with special grandeur.

It must be emphasized that achieving peace and stability in Tajikistan was extremely difficult. Ending the civil war, expanding peace negotiations, and strengthening public stability are closely linked to the XVI Session. After gaining state independence, Tajikistan was thrust into an imposed civil war.

The XVI Session of the Supreme Council, in view of the supreme interests of the independent state and during one of the most challenging political periods, was convened to urgently achieve peace and national unity, save the nation, preserve the territorial integrity of independent Tajikistan, and create conditions for the restoration of the war-devastated economy and the further development of the country. This blessed date is a source of pride and responsibility for every Tajik citizen.

After a millennium, in 1992, such a complicated political burden fell once again on the shoulders of the Founder of Peace and National Unity — Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon. Assuming leadership of the state, he began building national governance with the establishment of peace and stability, achieving historic successes.
His first steps included restoring legal state institutions, ensuring the rule of law and citizen security, and creating living conditions for the people. The overall political climate of the country also saw major changes. With 1992 began the most pressing issue — ending the civil war.

Another important issue after the XVI Session was the preservation of the country’s political stability.

Under the guidance of the Founder of Peace and National Unity — Leader of the Nation, President Emomali Rahmon, Tajikistan confidently moves toward building a democratic, lawful, and secular state, taking firm steps on the path of construction and progress. Peace, stability, national unity, solidarity, and understanding are strengthening, improving the living standards of the people.

Independence gains its true meaning only when every citizen values it, protects this sacred and priceless blessing as a great historical achievement. Given today’s complex world, the Leader of the Nation guides the people toward development, political vigilance, and protection of the greatest achievements of the new era — state independence and national unity.

As the Founder of Peace and National Unity — Leader of the Nation noted:
“To love the Motherland, to take pride in it, to be ready to defend it, to value independence, peace, and unity — these are the values through which we can build a truly strong and capable state.”

Independence, sovereignty, and true statehood are the greatest achievements of the Tajik nation’s history. President Emomali Rahmon, at the beginning of his political activity as head of state, publicly declared:
“I will begin my work with peace and bring tranquility and security to my suffering people,”
and with tireless efforts he fulfilled this promise honorably.

Today, we must remain united around the Founder of Peace and National Unity — the Leader of the Nation, and not allow internal or external enemies to exploit our peace, unity, and invaluable achievements.

As an ancient and cultured nation in the era of freedom and independence, and thanks to the tireless efforts of the Leader of the Nation and the noble people of Tajikistan, we have achieved significant successes in economic, political, scientific, cultural, technical, and industrial fields.

During his meeting with the youth, the Leader of the Nation emphasized:
“Young people must learn the lessons of independence, be aware of positive and negative political trends, study the history of their people, and take pride in their homeland, nation, language, and culture.”

The XVI Session of the Supreme Council declared to the world that Tajikistan is committed to the legal path of development, high legal values, and establishing relations with all countries based on recognized principles of international law.

Though many years have passed since the historic XVI Session, its significance for the Tajik nation becomes ever more apparent.
After this session, the Tajik people gained the opportunity to peacefully build a civil society, achieving remarkable economic, social, and cultural progress.

Indeed, after the XVI Session, the nation gained a unified state and elevated cultural consciousness.

The role of the Founder of Peace and National Unity — Leader of the Nation, President Emomali Rahmon, in strengthening peace, governance, and state-building of the Tajiks is immense and invaluable.

You lifted again the throne of Cyrus and Saman,
With royal splendor you placed the crown upon your head.
Shine your light upon the people with the radiance of your face —
Peace and stability of the nation you made our shield.

Hasan Shoinov —
Head of the Center for Culture and Spirituality
Tajik University of Innovation and Digital Technologies