President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has awarded the Most Distinguished Foreign Service Medal to veteran diplomat Ahmed Saleem, recognizing his extensive contributions to the Maldives’ foreign service and public administration. The medal was presented during a special ceremony marking the 60th anniversary of Independence Day.
Ahmed Saleem, who began his public service career in 1968, has dedicated over 35 years to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He held key diplomatic roles, including High Commissioner to Pakistan, Non-Resident Ambassador to Nepal, and Secretary-General of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), where he served a total of five years and six months.
Saleem also headed several major departments within the Ministry and represented the Maldives in numerous international forums. He was instrumental in securing foreign aid and led the Ministry’s Foreign Service Institute.
Beyond diplomacy, he played a key role in establishing the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives, first under a presidential decree in 2003, and later as its first President under the 2008 Constitution.
His long public service record also includes senior positions in immigration, media, sports, women’s affairs, and transport sectors.
With more than five decades of service, Ahmed Saleem’s contributions have significantly shaped the Maldives’ diplomatic presence and state institutions.
Ahmed Saleem, who began his public service career in 1968, has dedicated over 35 years to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He held key diplomatic roles, including High Commissioner to Pakistan, Non-Resident Ambassador to Nepal, and Secretary-General of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), where he served a total of five years and six months.
Saleem also headed several major departments within the Ministry and represented the Maldives in numerous international forums. He was instrumental in securing foreign aid and led the Ministry’s Foreign Service Institute.
Beyond diplomacy, he played a key role in establishing the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives, first under a presidential decree in 2003, and later as its first President under the 2008 Constitution.
His long public service record also includes senior positions in immigration, media, sports, women’s affairs, and transport sectors.
With more than five decades of service, Ahmed Saleem’s contributions have significantly shaped the Maldives’ diplomatic presence and state institutions.
