In a letter to Hon. Ibrahim Hussain Zaki, on his decision to retire from active politics, President Nasheed has congratulated and expressed his sincere gratitude for Zaki’s invaluable public service and his dedication in the democratic movement.

“Zaki’s has been a long and illustrious career spanning 42 years, in which he has dutifully served two prime ministers and three presidents,” Preisdent Nasheed wrote.

Commending Zaki’s active involvement in the democratic movement, President Nasheed said “his gravitas and insights provided important guidance for the Maldivian Democratic Party in its formative years. Zaki has remained a loyal member of the party ever since.”

In the letter President Nasheed highlighted Zaki’s service during his administration, particularly his role in strengthening the relationship with the Government of India.

“Zaki leaves active politics to pursue a number of important initiatives. These include establishing think tanks focusing on defence and political studies in the Maldives, as well as helping to create a South Asian Development Bank. These worthy and important projects deserve our support and, once again, underscore Zaki’s strong and commendable public service ethos

I wish Zaki all the best for his future endeavors and will continue to work closely with him as a member of the Maldivian Democratic Party and as an upstanding citizen of our country.” President Nasheed said.

Zaki’s has been a long and illustrious career spanning 42 years, in which he has dutifully served two prime ministers and three presidents. Zaki began his career in the foreign ministry, serving under the late President Nasir. In 1979, he was appointed Foreign Secretary, where he played an instrumental role in encouraging greater co-operation between South Asian nations, which ultimately led to the formation of SAARC. Zaki was appointed the SAARC Secretary-General in 1992-1993. After his tenure as SAARC SG, Zaki served in the cabinet of President Gayoom, as Minister of Tourism and Minister of Planning and National Development.