President Expresses Condolences on the Passing of Uzbekistan’s First Minister of Defense

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed his deep condolences to the family and relatives of Rustam Urmanovich Akhmedov, the country’s first Minister of Defense and retired Colonel General, who passed away on 12 October 2025 at the age of 83.

Rustam Akhmedov was born on 10 November 1943 in the Bagdad District of the Fergana Region. After completing secondary school, he entered the Tashkent Higher Tank Command School and later continued his studies at the Armored Forces Military Academy in Moscow.

During his military career, Akhmedov rose from officer to head of key units, holding various command and political positions in tank and combined-arms formations, while also teaching at military institutions. He was recognized as an experienced military leader, paying particular attention to the training of qualified personnel and strengthening discipline within the armed forces.

Following Uzbekistan’s independence, Rustam Akhmedov led the Ministry of Defense and made a significant contribution to the formation of the national army and the establishment of a modern defense system. Under his leadership, a large-scale reorganization of the General Staff was carried out, military districts were established, and the structure of armed forces management was improved.

In 1997–1998, Akhmedov served as Minister for Emergency Situations and later, as an advisor to the Minister of Defense, continued to actively participate in army reform and the training of servicemen, remaining devoted to the defense of the homeland.

For his outstanding service to the country, he was awarded the Orders of “Shon-Sharaf” II degree and “Dustlik.”

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the heads of the chambers of parliament, the Prime Minister, and leaders of law enforcement agencies expressed their heartfelt condolences on the passing of Rustam Akhmedov, noting his exceptional contribution to strengthening Uzbekistan’s independence and defense capability.

The statement emphasized that the memory of Colonel General Rustam Akhmedov will forever remain in the hearts of his fellow citizens as a courageous and devoted individual who dedicated his life to serving his country.