Dr. Waheed appointed as President Muizzu’s special envoy

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Monday appointed former President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik as a Special Envoy of the President.

Waheed was appointed to the non-paying job in a ceremony held at the President’s Office on Monday morning.

In a meeting after the appointment, President Muizzu described Waheed as a capable statesman, and encouraged him to utilize his extensive experience to advance the Maldives’ diplomatic interests.

He also urged him to explore economic opportunities with other nations and assured him of his full support in fulfilling the responsibilities of the role.

Meanwhile, Waheed thanked President Muizzu for the opportunity to serve the nation, and provided assurance of his full commitment to fulfilling the duties entrusted to him.

Waheed has a Bachelor’s Degree in English Language and a Diploma in Teaching from the American University of Beirut, a Master’s Degree in Education Planning and a PhD from the Stanford University.

He previously worked as a news anchor, a teacher, a principle, a United Nations international civil servant with UNICEF, UNDP and UNESCO, and as member of the Parliament.

Waheed served as the Vice President from 2008 to 2012 during former President Mohamed Nasheed’s administration, and as the caretaker President from 2012 to 2013, following Nasheed’s resignation.

The decision by President Muizzu to task Waheed with furthering Maldives’ foreign relations comes at a time when his administration has been criticized for its foreign policies.