Chief Government Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef has stated that the appointment of Ambassadors at Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was made to fill existing vacant ambassadorial posts.

The appointments of former ministers Adam Shareef Umar and Thoriq Ibrahim, along with former Attorney General Uza Fathimath Dhiyana Saeed, were not made through the creation of new positions, he said, dismissing claims circulating on the matter as inaccurate.

Speaking to MMTV, the Spokesperson said the individuals would initially serve as Ambassadors at Large and be assigned to countries with vacant posts. They will remain in these roles until formal diplomatic arrangements are finalised with the respective countries, he added, noting that this approach has been used previously.

Several ambassadorial positions abroad remain vacant, including postings in the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and Belgium.

The appointments follow the resignations of Adam Shareef Umar and Thoriq Ibrahim earlier this month, part of efforts to facilitate changes aimed at strengthening Government operations.

At the time of their resignation on 14 April, Adam Shareef Umar was serving as Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works, while Thoriq Ibrahim held the post of Minister of Tourism and Environment.