President Muizzu honours Ahmed Saleem with the highest foreign service award

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu presented the highest honour in foreign service to M. Mahura, Ahmed Saleem (Nanreethi Saleem) during the official Independence Day ceremony held this morning.

Saleem has dedicated over 54 years to state service, with more than 35 years in the foreign affairs sector. He began his career on July 7, 1968, and has held significant positions, including Ambassador of Maldives to Pakistan, Non-Resident Ambassador to Nepal, and the first Maldivian-appointed Director and Secretary-General of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), where he served for five years and six months.

Throughout his extensive career, Saleem led the International Organizations Department at the Foreign Ministry, represented Maldives in numerous international forums, secured foreign aid for national development, and managed the ministry’s Foreign Service Institute.

Beyond foreign affairs, Saleem was appointed as a founding member of the Maldives Human Rights Commission in 2003 and served as its first President under the 2008 Constitution.

His enduring commitment to public service and international diplomacy has left a profound impact on the Maldives’ development and global standing.