The People’s Majlis has green lighted the appointment of Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant General Rtd Abdul Raheem Abdul Latheef as the new Ambassador of Maldives to the Republic of Türkiye.

The parliament greenlighted his appointment during Sunday’s sitting.

The appointment was approved with the unanimous votes of all 82 members present at Sunday’s sitting.

Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant General Rtd Abdul Raheem Abdul Latheef retired from the armed forces in April this year at the age of 60 years, after 39 years of distinguished service.

Sunday’s parliament sitting also saw the appointment of Thoha Mohamed as the new Envoy of Maldives to Pakistan, green lighted.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu sought parliamentary approval for the appointment of Thoha as the Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which was initially approved by the parliament. However, Thoha is now to be appointed as the new Envoy of Maldives to Pakistan.

Abdul Raheem was promoted to the role of Chief of Defense Force from the position of Vice Chief of Defense Force on 17 November 2023.

Abdul Raheem Abdul Latheef began his service in the armed forces on 18 February 1985 and was the recipient of the President’s Special Award, back in 1989. He was also awarded the National Award Service back in 2021.

He made several contributions to strengthen the intelligence sector of the armed forces and his key roles include security work at the SAARC Summit, efforts to repair the damage caused by the 2004 Tsunami as well as work on the Covid-19 facility and work to construct the Memorial for Victory Day.

Some of the senior positions he filled include Vice Chief of Defence Force, Southern Area Commander and Commandant at Senahiya Military Hospital. In addition to having served as the Chairman of the Welfare Board, Abdul Raheem Abdul Latheef has also served as Chairperson of the MNDF Grievance Board and Spokesperson of MNDF.