Fathulla Jameel

Fathulla Jameel (September 5, 1942 – March 1, 2012) was the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives from 1978 to 2005.

Jameel was the Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations from April 14, 1977 to 1978. He became Minister of Foreign Affairs on March 14, 1978 and, under President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, held that position for 27 years. On July 14, 2005, he resigned as Minister of Foreign Affairs and was instead appointed as a Special Advisor to the President. On April 30, 2008 he was sworn into the position of senior minister, a relatively new post created by the incumbent president Gayoom.

Fatuhullah began his public service career on the 18th of November 1969, as a teacher at Majeediyya School. He became the Minister of External Affairs during the presidency of Ibrahim Nasir, on 14 March 1978.

When Maumoon Abdul Qayyoom became President, Fatuhullah was appointed as Minister of External Affairs, towards the end of 1978. He remained at that position until his resignation in July 2005. After resignation, he served as Special Advisor to the President.

In his obituary Haveeru daily described him as father of Maldives foreign diplomacy.

Fatuhullah also served as Minister of State for Planning and Environment at one time. He also was the President’s Member at the People’s Majlis for a long time.

Fathulla Jameel studied in Al-Azhar University of Egypt and obtained a BA in Islamic Theology. He later attended a postgraduate teacher training course at Ain Shams University.

He was interviewed by Egyptian writer journalist Anis Mansour, after the editor of than famous Al Hilal magazine editor scholar Dr. Hussain Mu'nis suggested that Mr. Mansour interview Maldivian students, for his book حول العالم في 200 يوم (my journey around the world in 200 days). According to Mr. Mansour, Fathulla said that his dream was to become a teacher in a school upon his return, the highest and most prestigious job available than in the Maldives. In Egypt he stayed with his friends, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and Zahir Hussain, at a Maldivian government leased flat, in the Al-Hilmiyyaa area of Cairo.

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