Uzbeks celebrate Independence Day

The Central Asian Republic of Uzbekistan has historical links with Saudi Arabia, said Acting Consul General of Uzbekistan Ayub Khan on the occasion of Uzbekistan’s 22nd Independence Day celebrations in Jeddah on Thursday night.
He emphasized the need for further strengthening relations between the two countries, as they are historically linked in terms of Islamic civilization and culture.
Uzbekistan was part of the Union of Soviet Socialists Republics (USSR) and gained independence in 1991.
Since then, Sept. 1 has officially been celebrated as the country’s Independence Day, but diplomatic missions abroad celebrate the occasion on different days.
Mohammed Ahmed Tayeb, the Saudi Foreign Ministry's Western Region director, was the chief guest and cut the cake along with Uzbekistan's consul general. Diplomats from other countries and Saudi businessmen also attended the function.
Noted Uzbek singer Ozogbek flew in from Tashkent to participate in the celebrations in Jeddah, where he sung patriotic songs. Other cultural events also took place within the program.
Uzbekistan has a rich Islamic civilization. The Bukhara region of the country has produced famous Muslim scholars, including Imam Bukhari and Ibn Sina.