Seattle Proclaims 1 September as Uzbekistan Independence Day

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Mayor of Seattle Katie B. Wilson officially declared 1 September 2026 as Uzbekistan Independence Day in the city, issuing a proclamation timed to coincide with the 35th anniversary of Uzbekistan's state independence, according to the Consul General of Uzbekistan in Seattle, Akhror Burkhanov.

The proclamation notes that over its 35 years of independence, Uzbekistan has undertaken a path of sovereign development and structural reforms. The document highlights the opening of the Consulate General of Uzbekistan in Seattle, which makes the city one of the few in the United States to host a direct diplomatic mission of the republic.

In the proclamation, Uzbekistan is recognized as the most populous country in Central Asia and one of the region's most dynamically growing economies. The document further emphasizes Uzbekistan's commitment to expanding open markets and international partnerships.

Special attention is given to Uzbekistan's geographic location at the heart of the ancient Silk Road and its role as a gateway to a regional consumer market exceeding 100 million people. Trade, investment, logistics, technology, and energy were identified as key areas for prospective collaboration between Uzbekistan and the Seattle business community.

Mayor Wilson noted that the work of the Consulate General of Uzbekistan will foster long-term connections between the two nations across civic, business, and governmental levels.

Akhror Burkhanov characterized Seattle's decision as a symbol of friendship and expanding partnership, adding that the establishment of the consulate will help translate bilateral ties into concrete economic, technological, educational, and cultural projects.

The official opening of Uzbekistan's first Consulate General on the West Coast of the United States is scheduled for 4 September in Seattle, dedicated to the 35th anniversary of national independence. Attendees will include leadership representatives from Washington state and the city of Seattle, members of the diplomatic corps, corporate executives, members of the academic community, and civic representatives.

Seattle ranks among the major economic, technological, and commercial hubs of the U.S. Pacific Northwest, with the Greater Seattle area housing over 4.1 million residents and generating a gross regional product of approximately US$607 billion in 2025.

The city hosts the global headquarters of Amazon and Starbucks, while companies such as Microsoft, Costco Wholesale, T-Mobile, and PACCAR maintain headquarters in the surrounding region. Major operational presences are also held by Boeing, Google, Meta, Expedia Group, and Alaska Airlines, with the combined revenues of top public corporations in Greater Seattle exceeding US$1.5 trillion.