Uzbekistan celebrates Nowruz, first day of spring

TASHKENT, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Uzbekistan's determined steps toward building a new society were in tune with the philosophy and values of Nowruz, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said on Tuesday as the country celebrated the centuries-old spring holiday.

"We will accelerate the implementation of the large-scale programs we have begun for the comprehensive development of the economy and the social sphere," as well as other sectors of the society, Mirziyoyev said in his greeting speech during the official ceremony.