Today, the Founder of Peace and National Unity - Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon sent a telegram of condolences to the brotherly people of Uzbekistan, which reads as follows:

"Tajikistan received with a great regret the news of a severe and irreversible loss of the friendly people of Uzbekistan - untimely demise of Islam Abdughanievich Karimov.

Islam Abdughaniyevich Karimov was recognised in the modern history of the Uzbek state as an outstanding statesman and politician, and largely determined the nature and content of an entire historical era in the development of the country after its gaining state independence.

Thanks to his wisdom and foresight, he earned high recognition, and as a politician of large scale enjoyed well-deserved reputation far beyond the borders of his country.

In these moments of grief, we extend our deepest condolences and sympathy to family and relatives of Islam Abdughaniyevich and to the brotherly people of Uzbekistan over this irretrievable loss.

His memory will live forever in our hearts."