A native of Gaddhoo , Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll , Naseer holds a PhD in Diplomatic Studies from the Australian National University , and a Masters in Diplomatic Studies from the University of Leicester . He joined the Maldives Foreign Service in May 1985 and served in a number of posts within the Foreign Ministry , including Additional Secretary of the Policy Planning Division , Director General of the Foreign Relations Directorate , Director General of the Department for External Resources , and Assistant Director of the Research Division . He was the lead figure tasked with coordinating international relief aid in the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami in the Maldives . From November 2013 to July 2017 he was Foreign Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs . On 9 July 2017 he was appointed by President Abdulla Yameen as Ambassador and Permanent Representative , succeeding Ahmed Sareer , who replaced him as Foreign Secretary . He took office as Permanent Representative to the United Nations on 17 July 2017 and presented his credentials to U.S. President Donald Trump on 21 July 2017 . He was succeeded by Thilmeeza Hussain in May 2019
2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami
2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami
Ali Naseer Mohamed