President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has appointed Dr. Mohamed Asim as the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Dr. Asim took the oath of office, at a ceremony held at the President’s Office. The oath was administered by Supreme Court Judge Uz. Abdulla Areef.

• Asim has most recently served as the Maldivian High Commissioner in Bangladesh. In 1982, he joined the government service and served as his country’s envoy to Pakistan and the United Kingdom during2004-2008. He succeeds Dunya Maumoon, who resigned from the Cabinet last week, citing opposition to the government’s plans to implement the death penalty.

• He has also served as the Maldivian Ambassador for European Communities, and as Ambassador-at-large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

• He holds a PhD in Political Science and International Relations from the Australian National University, and a Master of Arts degree in International Affairs from the California State University.

• Prior to his career in the Foreign Service, Dr. Asim has also held senior positions at the President’s Office.

 Maldives:

The Maldives is a tropical nation in the Indian Ocean composed of 26 coral atolls, which are made up of hundreds of islands.It’s known for its beaches, blue lagoons and extensive reefs.

Capital: Malé

Currency: Maldivian rufiyaa

President: Abdulla Yameen

Continent: Asia

Official language: Dhivehi