Ahmed Sareer, former Maldivian foreign secretary, has been nominated as the new ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu requested parliamentary approval for Sareer's appointment through a letter which was read during Tuesday's parliamentary session. The matter has been forwarded to the Foreign Relations Committee for further review.

Sareer is expected to take over the role following the departure of the previous ambassador, Mohamed Thaha, who was reassigned as the ambassador to Pakistan in June.

Sareer, who began his diplomatic career in 1986, has held several prominent positions. He has served as foreign secretary, the Maldives' permanent representative to the United Nations, ambassador to the United States, and ambassador to Bangladesh. Within the Foreign Ministry, he has also held roles such as assistant undersecretary, deputy director, director, and director general.

He holds a Master's degree in foreign affairs and trade from Monash University in Australia.