Special function to be held to pay tribute to Fathulla

The government has decided to hold a special function to pay tribute to former Foreign Minister late Fathulla Jameel.

This decision was made at the Cabinet meeting today, to commemorate the services of late Fathulla Jameel who has served as the country’s Foreign Minister for 27 years.

The function will be organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The date for the function will be announced soon.

Fathulla passed away at 8:15pm on 1 March 2012, while being treated for heart complications at Singapore General Hospital. He was 69.

Fathulla began his public service career as a teacher at Majeediyya School on 18 November 1969. He served longest in the Foreign Ministry. He acted as Minister of External Affairs, as Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations, and as Deputy of Department of External Affairs. He became the Minister of External Affairs on 14th March 1978, during the presidency of Ibrahim Nasir.

When Maumoon Abdul Gayoom became President on 11 November 1978, Fathulla was appointed as Minister of External Affairs. He remained in that post until his resignation on 14 July 2005, following which he served as Special Advisor to the President. The last position held by Fathulla was Senior Minister of President’s Office.

Fathulla also served as Minister of State for Planning and Environment and as President’s Member at the People’s Majlis for a long time.

Fathulla, while he was Foreign Minister, introduced the Maldives to the international community. He played an important role in showing the world that the Maldives’ external affairs were based on steadfast, responsible rules. He worked towards obtaining developmental aid, and in gaining international cooperation for political and cultural progress. He also acted as the link between internal and external financial and other institutions.