Kazakhstan Appoints Kanysh Abubakirov as First Deputy Defense Minister and Chief of General Staff

Astana, The Gulf Observer: By a presidential decree, Kanysh Abubakirov has been appointed First Deputy Minister of Defense and Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Akorda press service announced.

Abubakirov succeeds Sultan Kamaletdinov, who was relieved of the post by a separate presidential decree.

Born on February 12, 1977, in the Turkistan region, Kanysh Abubakirov is a graduate of the Military Academy of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the National Defense University.

Throughout his military career, Abubakirov has risen through the ranks from a reconnaissance group commander in an air assault battalion to senior leadership positions within the Armed Forces. He has served as Chief of the Main Staff and First Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces, as well as Chief of Staff and Deputy Commander of several military units.

His previous appointments include Deputy Commander of the Airmobile Forces, Head of the Combat Training Department, Chief of Staff and First Deputy Commander of the Air Assault Forces, Commander of the Regional Command “West,” and Commander of the Air Assault Forces of the Ground Forces.

For his distinguished service, Abubakirov has been awarded the Order of Aibyn (Valor), 2nd degree, the Order of Danq (Glory), 2nd degree, and the Medal “Jauyngerlık erlıgı üşın” (For Military Merit).