Dr. Mohamed Asim appointed Foreign Minister

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has appointed Dr. Mohamed Asim as the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Dr. Asim took the oath of office in a ceremony held at President’s Office on Wednesday morning.

The oath was administered by Supreme Court Judge Abdulla Areef.

Asim had most recently served as Maldivian High Commissioner to Bangladesh.

He has vast experience in the area of foreign relations, having served as Maldivian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, UK and Pakistan, and working as Maldivian Ambassador to European communities.

He also served as Additional Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and ambassador of State of Maldives.

Before joining the foreign service on October 24, 2004, he filled top posts at the President’s Office including as Presidential Aide, Director of Employment Affairs and Director-General of Employment Affairs.

He holds a PhD in Political Science and International Relations from Australian National University, and a Master’s Degree in International Affairs from California State University.

Asim replaces former Minister of Foreign Affairs Dhunya Maumoon, who resigned over difference of opinion with President Abdulla Yameen regarding the implementation of the death penalty.