Uzbekistan marks 35 years of independence as president outlines plans for next decade

• Uzbekistan has begun marking the 35th anniversary of its independence with a large-scale celebration in New Tashkent, days before the country’s official Independence Day on 1 September.
• Uzbekistan proclaimed independence from the Soviet Union on 31 August 1991.
• The ceremony brought together Uzbek officials, foreign guests and performers from Uzbekistan and abroad.