Mirziyoyev expresses condolences to relatives of late government official

Earlier, it was reported that Ismoil Jurabekov, a prominent statesman and public figure who had served as State Advisor to the President of Uzbekistan, First Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources, passed away at the age of 94. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed his condolences on his passing.

’’Despite his advanced age, Ismoil Jurabekov, as an advisor to the Minister of Water Resources, actively contributed to the implementation of our large-scale reforms aimed at building a New Uzbekistan. With his vast knowledge and experience, as well as his valuable advice, he played an important role in developing the sector and training young specialists.

The memory of Ismoil Jurabekov, an outstanding statesman and public figure, a sincere and humble person, and a caring mentor to the youth, will forever remain in our hearts,’’ the message of condolence read.

Ismoil Jurabekov was born on September 12, 1931, in the Samarkand region. He held leadership positions in the fields of agriculture and water resources for many years, making significant contributions to the country’s development.

Jurabekov’s name has long been associated with respect in Uzbekistan’s political circles. In the 1990s, he headed the state agro-industrial sector. From 1994 to 1998, he served as Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources, and from 2000 to 2004, he was the President’s State Advisor on Agricultural Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister. During the most challenging transition years, Jurabekov carried out critical assignments, at times even risking his own life. He was considered one of the very few who openly disagreed with the First President, Islam Karimov.

In his memoirs, Jurabekov recalled how Islam Karimov once ordered him to blow up the bridge linking Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. However, he refused to carry out the order, thereby preserving relations between the two peoples.

Jurabekov also served as a deputy of the Supreme Soviet of the Uzbek SSR during the 9th–11th convocations. He was awarded the orders ’’For outstanding service’’ and ’’Friendship,’’ as well as several high state honors from Tajikistan and the former Soviet Union.