Parliament approves ex-China ambassador Azeema to India

Parliament on Monday approved the appointment of Aishath Azeema as the new Maldivian high commissioner to India.

Her nomination was forwarded to parliament on October 15 for consideration, as the term of the current ambassador, Ibrahim Shihab, comes to an end.

Foreign affairs committee of parliament reviewed Azeema's nomination and approved it, submitting their report during Monday's sitting. Azeema’s appointment was confirmed with a unanimous vote from all 79 members present.

Azeema currently serves as the head of the India division at the foreign ministry in her capacity as additional secretary.

Previously, she held the position of ambassador to China from 2019 to 2023. Before her ambassadorial role in China, she served as deputy ambassador to the United Kingdom.

In addition to these roles, Azeema has held several senior positions within the foreign ministry, including additional secretary, joint secretary, and minister counsellor at the Maldivian high commission in India.