Ahmed Saleem was awarded the Most Distinguished Foreign Service Medal, the highest honour in the Foreign Service, during the official ceremony marking the 60th anniversary of the Maldives’ Independence Day.

The award is presented to individuals with over 30 years of service who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and achievement in the field.

Saleem has served the State for more than 54 years, including over 35 years in the Foreign Service. He began his public service on 7 July 1968 and has since held numerous senior diplomatic and administrative roles.

His distinguished career includes positions such as British Secretary of the UN Division, Counsellor at the UN Permanent Mission, and Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also led the Foreign Service Institute, where he contributed significantly to the training of future diplomats.

Saleem served as High Commissioner to Pakistan and Non-Resident Ambassador to Nepal. He was the Maldives’ first Director to the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), later serving as its Secretary-General from 2012 to 2014.

He represented the Maldives at numerous international forums and played a key role in securing foreign aid for national development. Notably, during the events of 3 November, he was instrumental in communicating urgent appeals for international assistance.

Beyond diplomacy, Saleem held senior roles in other areas of public administration, including immigration, broadcasting, youth and sports, social affairs, and transport. He was also the first Chairman of the Human Rights Commission formed under the 2008 Constitution, having previously served as a member of the commission established by presidential decree in 2003.

Following a long and impactful career that helped shape the Maldives’ diplomatic service and strengthen public institutions, Saleem has now made the decision to retire.