Hassan Sobir dies after receiving state honour

Ambassador Hassan Sobir passed away on Monday while undergoing treatment at Tree Top Hospital. He was 74 years old.

Sobir had been ill for several days and was unable to attend the Independence Day ceremony on Sunday morning.

He was conferred the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin (O.D.R.I.) by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Sunday, during a special ceremony held to mark the 60th anniversary of Maldives’ Independence Day.

Sobir served the state in various capacities for more than 37 years, beginning during the administration of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. His contributions spanned several sectors, including tourism, fisheries, agriculture, and foreign service.

He began his public service on 7 February 1973, with an early posting at the National Planning Agency. Following the formation of the Ministry of Planning and Development in November 1982, he served in various roles within the Ministry.

On 11 November 1993, he was appointed Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture in the cabinet formed after President Gayoom commenced his fourth term. He later served as Minister of Tourism during the president’s fifth term.

In addition to his ministerial roles, Sobir held several diplomatic posts. He served as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, the first Resident High Commissioner of the Maldives to Singapore, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Belgium and the European Union, and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Japan.

At the time of his passing, Sobir was serving as the Ambassador of the Maldives to Japan under the current administration.

Sobir’s career in public service extended beyond 38 years. He is recognised for his involvement in planning and implementing development projects and for representing the Maldives in the international arena.