Dr Mohamed Shameem Ali Saeed, on Thursday, announced his decision to assume the position of advisor to the Secretary General of the Islamic Organization of Cooperation (OIC).
Dr Shaheem is scheduled to actively take up the post in January, at which time he is set to move his place of residence to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia where the OIC headquarters is located.
The current Secretary-General is Dr Yousef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen.
Speaking
to local media outlet Mihaaru, Shaheem asserted the importance of
Maldives contributing to the international Islamic community and gaining
diplomatic experience as a nation.
Dr Shaheem also stated that he would continue to work for the benefit of Maldives, its citizens, education centres and state religion.
In addition to serving as the Chancellor of the Islamic University of Maldives (IUM), Dr Shaheem was also the former Minister of Islamic Affairs. In the presidential election held on September 23, Dr Shaheem was the running mate of Mr Abdulla Yameen Abdul-Gayoom in his bid for re-election.
The
OIC was formed in 1969 with the aim of protecting the interests of the
Muslim world and promoting international harmony. The OIC currently has
57 member states.