President Shavkat Mirziyoyev delivered a congratulatory message to journalists on the Day of Press and Media Workers. The message noted that this is a holiday not only for those who have dedicated their lives to this profession, but also for millions of readers, listeners, spectators, "the whole society, enjoying the fruits of your hard work."

“Today, the words of the Jadids-enlighteners, who laid the foundations of our national press, that the press should serve the development of the nation and the country, be a spokesman for opinions, a light that illuminates the minds and hearts of people, a mirror of the conscience of every person, and are of great importance,” the message reads.

“We consider ensuring freedom of speech and press, the right to receive and disseminate information as an important and integral part of our development strategy. In the updated Constitution of the country, the relevant provisions have been further strengthened, which indicates the consistency of our actions in this area”.

“Now there are 2,140 media outlets in Uzbekistan, which is 626 more than in 2016. Among them, 65% are non-state media, the number of online publications has reached 745.”

The message emphasizeв that “events are taking place in different parts of the world today that cause concern for everyone, so we cannot but be concerned about the growing challenges in global information processes. Unfortunately, we have to state that in some regions of the world, the media, for the sake of certain political forces, serve to incite information wars, mislead public opinion, distort facts and substitute concepts.

“In the current difficult situation, when superiority in the information space is of decisive importance in many respects, we see in you true professionals who firmly follow the basic principles of the democratic press - objectivity, reliability of information, devotion to national interests, such people who, with their knowledge and potential, sharp with a pen and a truthful word they help the public to understand the essence of the ongoing social processes, to be protected from the negative impact of disinformation,” the message added.

“In eliminating shortcomings and problems in the life of society, in the fight against such vices as bureaucracy and corruption, we rely primarily on you, dear journalists and bloggers, and especially on our talented youth,” - emphasized in the festive address of the President.

“We have set ourselves the task of creating a new journalism of New Uzbekistan, and life itself requires us to comprehensively study not only the national traditions that have developed in the field, but also the experience of developed countries, strengthen cooperation with leading foreign universities in the field of media, authoritative international organizations and media companies”.

“The consistent development of the media will continue to be at the center of our attention. I am sure that the National Report, which is currently being prepared by the Union of Journalists of Uzbekistan, will be of great practical importance in determining and implementing the tasks we face in this area,” the message says.

The President's congratulatory message emphasize that the state and society are ready to provide the necessary support in improving the working and living conditions of media workers, stimulating their difficult and responsible work, and strengthening the material, technical and personnel potential of the sphere.

“Congratulating you on a great professional holiday, as well as the upcoming bright holiday of Eid al-Adha, I wish you all good health, new creative successes, happiness and prosperity to your families,” the message concluded.