Dear compatriots!

A few moments later, 2016, which is remembered in the modern history  of the people of Tajikistan with good memories, creative events on the  improvement and development of our cherished country, will come to an  end, and the New Year 2017 will start.

On this occasion, I congratulate the whole glorious people of  Tajikistan and all overseas compatriots, wishing every family of our  beloved Tajikistan calmness, happiness, and prosperity.

This past year, as the year of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the  state independence of our Motherland, was a truly historic and  successful year for all the inhabitants of our country, the year of  accomplishment of creative aspirations and hopes.

During this year, the hard-working and glorious people of Tajikistan,  by its friendly and dedicated labor, gave a new impetus to the  development and progress of our beautiful country, laid a solid and  favorable foundation for its bright and prosperous future.

As regards the most important events and achievements of the year,  intentions and plans for the next year, which will certainly  contribute to further improving the quality of life of the population,  the development of our homeland, I spoke in detail a few days ago in  my address to the Majlisi Oli (Parliament) of the country.

The adoption of a resolution titled "International Decade for Action  ‘Water for Sustainable Development’, 2018-2028" by the UN General  Assembly on 22nd December, which was proposed by Tajikistan and  sponsored by more than 190 UN member states, is a truly historic  achievement and event.

The adoption of this important document that is our fourth initiative  in the international arena will further strengthen the international  authority and image of Tajikistan.

Taking into account the contribution of the country's youth in the  development of society, its active participation in political and  economic life, we have declared 2017 – the Year of Youth.

Consistent efforts of youth of the period of independence towards  mastering modern knowledge, professions and specialties, protecting  national values, and observing ethics are our pride.

I am convinced that our youth will work even more for further  development, progress, and security of our independent country, since  the future of our fabulous land is in its hands.

The situation of the modern world, increasing threats, topical  economic, political and environmental issues require from each of us  to unite and be vigilant more than ever.

This year we should, with a high sense of patriotism and  self-awareness, amicably and truly strive to safeguard peace,  tranquility and political stability, strengthen unity and mutual  understanding, protect interests of the state and nation.  Every achievement made to date is ours.

Now we must work faithfully and consistently to achieve new successes,  further improvement of our beloved country.

A good tradition of celebrating the New Year is that the peoples of  the world are developing plans with good intentions and constructive  purposes.

On the eve of the New Year, I declare with confidence that the new  year 2017 will play an important role in strengthening and building up  the achievements of the state independence, foundations of the newest  Tajik statehood, national unity, political stability of society,  improvement of our country.

The New Year 2017 will become for our state and nation the beginning  of a new stage of development, implementation of new plans for a  bright, prosperous and peaceful future.

It is gratifying that in this process our proud and glorious nation  will take an active part in the protection of national independence,  building a modern and progressive state, transformation of modern  society, and will make a patriotic contribution to a worthy  representation of the Tajik state, enhancing its image on the  international scene.

I hope that the New Year 2017 will be the year of fulfillment of good  aspirations and hopes of the Tajik people and state, and our glorious  nation this year will make solid steps on the path to development,  progress, and improvement.

With these good intentions, I would like once again to heartily  congratulate all the noble and hard-working people of our country and  overseas compatriots with the beginning of the New Year 2017 and to  wish all of you peace, tranquility, prosperity, health, happy life,  and to our free and independent Tajikistan – prosperity and steady  progress.

Happy New Year, dear compatriots!