Mirziyoyev expresses condolences to late Defense Minister's family

The well-known representative of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the country’s first Defense Minister, retired Colonel General Rustam Urmonovich Ahmedov, passed away yesterday, October 12, at the age of 82. In this regard, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed his condolences.

Rustam Ahmedov was born on November 10, 1943, in the Baghdad district of the Fergana region. After graduating from secondary school, he studied first at the Tashkent Higher Tank Command School and later at the Military Academy of Armored Forces in Moscow.

Having dedicated his entire life to the military field, Rustam Ahmedov served as a platoon commander in a tank regiment, assistant to the head of the political department of a tank division, deputy battalion commander for political affairs, and deputy commander of the cadet battalion at the Tashkent Higher Tank Command School. Through these roles, he gained extensive knowledge and experience in managing personnel and improving their military, physical, and moral readiness.

During his years in leadership positions at the Tashkent Higher Tank Command School, Samarkand Higher Military Automobile Command School, and Tashkent Higher Combined Arms Command School, his strong organizational skills became especially evident.

After Uzbekistan gained independence, Rustam Ahmedov actively served as the country’s first Minister of Defense, while also temporarily acting as the Commander of the National Guard. He played a crucial role in forming the national army, establishing the state’s defense system, and training military personnel. During his tenure, the General Staff of the Ministry of Defense was reorganized into the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces, military districts were created, and the deployment and management systems of military units were improved. Extensive work was also carried out to strengthen the Ministry of Defense’s cooperation with other security structures.

From 1997 to 1998, Rustam Ahmedov also served effectively as the Minister of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

’’The honored general, despite his advanced age, actively contributed his vast knowledge and experience as an adviser to the Minister of Defense in implementing major reforms aimed at modernizing the Armed Forces of New Uzbekistan and enhancing the combat and moral readiness of military personnel. Regardless of his position, he always remained faithful to his military oath, fulfilling his duties with responsibility and honor, and served as a personal example in fostering patriotism among the youth,’’ the condolence message reads.

Rustam Ahmedov’s services in the military field were duly recognized by the state. He was awarded the Order of ’’Shon-Sharaf’’ (2nd degree) and the Order of ’’Dostlik’’ of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

It is worth noting that last week, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev attended the memorial ceremony of the late state and public figure Ismoil Jurabekov, who passed away at the age of 94.