Dr. Abdulla Khaleel

Minister of Foreign Affairs

Biography

Dr. Abdulla Khaleel was appointed as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives on 30 September 2024, by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. Prior to the appointment, Minister Dr. Khaleel was serving as the Minister of Health of the Republic of Maldives from 17 November 2023.

Minister Dr. Khaleel, was the former Member of Parliament for the Nilandhoo Constituency in North Nilandhe Atoll, elected in 2014. He was actively involved in representing the people of his constituency by taking a lead role in advocacy, as the Chair of the Economic Affairs Committee of the People’s Majlis. In addition, he worked as the Secretary General of the Progressive Party of Maldives from 16 October 2016 till August 2018.

Before he started his political career, Dr. Abdulla Khaleel held several posts in the public and private sector in Maldives. He started his career by working as an Assistant Teacher in Faafu Atoll Education Centre. Upon his return after completing Bachelor’s degree at International Islamic University of Malaysia, Dr. Khaleel worked at the Public Enterprises Monitoring and Evaluation Board from 2002 till 2004. After completing his Masters degree in Business Administration, he returned to serve at the same agency. In 2006,he served asthe Atoll Chief of Alifu Alifu Atoll and Noonu Atoll until 2008. He was then appointed as the Secretary General of the Civil Service Commission of Maldives. During this time, he was also lecturing at two local colleges - MAPS College and Villa College.

Dr. Khaleel holds a PhD in Public Policy from University of Brunei Darussalam and continues to be engaged in community development. He has contributed to development initiatives that were brought to his native island of Faafu Nilandhoo and regularly conducts capacity building workshops for local institutions and civil society organizations.