First Minister of Defense of Uzbekistan Rustam Akhmedov died

Uzbekistan’s first Minister of Defense, Colonel General Rustam Ahmedov, passed away at the age of 82, according to the Ministry of Defense press service.

Ahmedov worked in the country’s armed forces for more than 40 years. He was also one of those who made an enormous contribution to the formation of the national army in the first years of Uzbekistan’s independence, ensuring the security of the country, and protecting the peaceful life of our people.

Colonel General Rustam Ahmedov graduated from the Tashkent Higher Tank Command School in 1965 with a degree in Tank Troops Command and Tactical Training. In 1985, he also graduated from the Military Academy of the Armored Tank Troops with a degree in command-staff operational-tactical training.

From 1991 to 1992, he simultaneously served as Minister of Defense and Commander of the National Guard. From 1992 to 1997, he headed the Ministry of Defense. From September 1997 to September 1998, he also served as the head of the Ministry of Emergency Situations. In 1998, he retired.

In 2018-2020, he worked as an advisor to the Minister of Defense, actively participating in reforming key areas of the defense system. He was awarded several orders and medals of Uzbekistan. In 1995, he was awarded the II degree Shon-sharaf Order. For his great contribution to the development of the national army, he was awarded the Dustlik Order in 2018.

Under the leadership of Colonel General Ahmedov, important steps were taken in the first years of independence to preserve the army, weapons and military equipment, develop military infrastructure, and enhance the prestige of military service. The leadership of the Ministry of Defense expressed its deep condolences to the family and friends of Rustam Urmanovich, — the message says.

Recall that military contract service was changed in Uzbekistan. The Ministry of Defense has announced who can join the army.