Former President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan has been appointed Special Envoy to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

The appointment ceremony was held at the President’s Office on Monday. According to the President's Office, Waheed will serve without remuneration.

Following the appointment, Muizzu encouraged Waheed to utilise his extensive experience to advance the Maldives’ diplomatic interests.

He also urged him to explore economic opportunities and assured him of his full support in fulfilling the responsibilities of the role.

Waheed thanked Muizzu for the opportunity to serve the nation, assuring that he would carry out his duties with dedication.

Waheed was elected Vice President in the first multi-party presidential election held in the Maldives in 2008. He took over as President after the coup, which overthrew former President Mohamed Nasheed.

Waheed contested the election in 2013 but received only 5 percent of the vote. After an absence from politics, he returned in the run-up to the 2023 presidential election.

Although he has not held any position in the government, Waheed has been seen in the front row with Muizzu at various ceremonies.