Parliament approves Thoriq as Maldives' representative to IRENA

Parliament on Wednesday approved the appointment of former Environment Minister Thoriq Ibrahim as the Maldives' representative to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

President Mohamed Muizzu nominated Thoriq, who currently serves as the Maldives' Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, for the post late last month.

The Parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee reviewed the nomination and presented its report to the People's Majlis, recommending that the appointment be approved.

The nomination was endorsed with 57 votes in favour. No members voted against the appointment.

Thoriq has worked in the environmental sector for many years and has served as Minister of Environment under two administrations. He first held the portfolio during the administration of former President Abdulla Yameen and later became the first Environment Minister in President Muizzu's administration.

He resigned from the ministerial post during the recent Cabinet reshuffle and was subsequently appointed Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates. He was succeeded as Environment Minister by Ali Shareef.

IRENA is an intergovernmental organisation that promotes the adoption and use of renewable energy and supports sustainable development.

The agency is headquartered in Abu Dhabi, where Thoriq is currently based as Ambassador.

The Maldives became a member of IRENA in 2009.