Ref: 2024/PR/354
On 06 November 2024, His Majesty the Emperor of Japan conferred the “Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star” upon H.E. Mr. Ahmed Khaleel, former Ambassador of the Republic of Maldives to Japan and former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, in recognition of his invaluable contributions to strengthening the friendship between Japan and the Maldives. This marks the first time a Maldivian national has received this prestigious honour.
A dedicated diplomat, with over 41 years of experience in the Maldives Foreign Service, Ambassador Khaleel is among the very few who have consistently risen through the ranks to the highest echelons of diplomacy since he joined foreign service. During his tenure as Ambassador to Japan, he worked tirelessly to elevate Maldives-Japan bilateral relations. Following the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami in 2011, he organised a symbolic donation of over 700,000 fish cans to Japan, contributing to strong ties between the peoples of both countries. Furthermore, Amb. Khaleel’s efforts led to transformative development projects funded by Japanese grants, benefiting key sectors across the Maldives. His commitment to fostering ties at various levels has been instrumental in cementing the friendly bonds and goodwill shared between Japan and the Maldives, especially in building meaningful people-to-people contact between the two countries. Amb. Khaleel retired from the Maldives Foreign Service in 2023.
The decoration of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star is one of the orders under the Order of the Rising Sun, established in 1875 by Emperor Meiji, awarded by the Emperor of Japan to both Japanese and foreign individuals in recognition of meritorious service over a long duration.