President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has declared a three-day mourning period with the national flag to be flown at half-mast following the passing of Hassan Sobir, a veteran statesman and recipient of the Nishan Izzuddin – the highest honour conferred by the state.

Sobir passed away this morning at Treetop Hospital, where he was undergoing treatment. At the time of his death, he was serving as the Maldives' Ambassador to Japan. He had also previously served in various key cabinet roles, including as Minister of Tourism and Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture.

According to the President’s Office, Sobir’s funeral will be held with full state honours. His body will be displayed at the Islamic Centre prior to the last rites, which will be performed after Asr prayers today.

In a post on X, President Dr Muizzu expressed deep sorrow over Sobir’s passing, describing it as a great loss to the nation. He praised Sobir’s extensive contributions to the economic development of the Maldives, particularly in the sectors of tourism, fisheries, and agriculture, and lauded his efforts in strengthening diplomatic relations as ambassador to several countries.

Sobir began his service to the state on 7 February 1973. His early work at the National Planning Agency and later at the Ministry of Planning and Development marked the start of a long and distinguished career in public service. He was appointed Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture in President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s cabinet in 1993 and later served as Minister of Tourism.

In the diplomatic field, Sobir represented the Maldives as ambassador to the United Kingdom, Singapore, the European Union, and most recently, Japan.

Sobir was honoured with the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin during the ceremony to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Maldives’ independence, held just a day before his passing.