First Minister of Defense of the Republic of Uzbekistan Passes Away

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Colonel-General Rustam Akhmedov, the first Minister of Defense of independent Uzbekistan, has passed away at the age of 81.

Rustam Akhmedov dedicated over 40 years to service in the Armed Forces, playing a key role in the formation and development of the national army, strengthening the country’s security, and ensuring the safety and peace of its citizens.

From 1991 to 1992, he simultaneously held the posts of Minister for Defense Affairs and Commander of the National Guard, and from 1992 to 1997, he headed the Ministry of Defense. In 1997–1998, Akhmedov led the Ministry for Emergency Situations.

After retiring in 1998, he remained a model of officerly honor, patriotism, and human dignity for the younger generation of military personnel.

In recognition of his service, he was awarded the Certificate of Honor of the Republic of Uzbekistan (1993), the Order of “Shon-Sharaf” II Degree (1995), and the Order of “Doʻstlik” (2018).