In a unanimous decision, the Maldivian Parliament has approved President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s nominations for non-resident ambassadors to Russia and Morocco. The appointments, which were confirmed in a floor vote on Monday, further strengthen the Maldives’ diplomatic ties with these strategic nations.
Experienced Diplomats Tapped for Key Roles
Abdul Raheem Abdul Latheef, the Maldives’ Ambassador to Türkiye and former Chief of Defence Force, was endorsed as the non-resident Ambassador to Russia with a unanimous vote of 65. Meanwhile, Ahmed Sareer, the Maldives’ Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and a seasoned diplomat, was confirmed as the non-resident Ambassador to Morocco with 64 votes in favour.
Abdul Raheem, who previously served as the Vice Chief of Defence Force, was promoted to Chief of Defence Force when President Muizzu assumed office in November 2023. However, he retired from military service upon reaching the age limit of 60 after a 39-year career, paving the way for this new diplomatic role.
Sareer, a career diplomat, has held several key positions, including serving as the Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations and ambassador to multiple countries, making him well-equipped to represent the Maldives in Morocco.
During the same parliamentary session, President Muizzu also proposed appointing Dr. Mariyam Shabeena, the Maldives’ High Commissioner to Malaysia, as the non-resident Ambassador to the Philippines. Her nomination has been forwarded to the Parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee for further review.
Strengthening Global Partnerships
The Maldives’ decision to appoint these experienced diplomats as non-resident ambassadors to Russia and Morocco underscores the country’s commitment to expanding its international reach and fostering stronger relationships with these strategic partners. As the Maldives continues to navigate the complexities of the global landscape, these new appointments will play a crucial role in advancing the nation’s diplomatic agenda and enhancing its standing on the world stage.
About the Maldives
The Maldives is an archipelago nation located in the Indian Ocean, renowned for its stunning natural beauty, idyllic islands, and thriving tourism industry. As a small island developing state, the Maldives has been at the forefront of global efforts to address climate change and sustainable development. With a focus on renewable energy and environmental conservation, the Maldives has emerged as a leader in the fight against the devastating impacts of climate change.
Contact Information
For more information about the Maldives and its diplomatic initiatives, please visit the official website of the Maldivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs at foreign.gov.mv.
