Ahmed Khaleel

Ahmed Khaleel (; born 17 March 1962 ) is a Maldivian diplomat who served as the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs from 2018 to 2023.

Khaleel previously served as the permanent representative of the Maldives to the United Nations from 2007 to 2008. Additionally, he was the Ambassador of the Maldives to Japan from 2010 and the non-resident ambassador to South Korea from 2013, serving both posts until 2016. He served as the Under-Secretary for Bilateral Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during 2016–2018, before becoming the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in November 2018. and then from 2007 to 2008 as an Ambassador to the United Nations.

Khaleel was appointed as the Additional Secretary by President Mohamed Nasheed in 2009.

Khaleel was appointed as the Ambassador of the Maldives to Japan in 2009 by President Mohamed Nasheed. He presented his letter of credence to Emperor Akihito at the Tokyo Imperial Palace in 2010.

On 18 April 2013, he presented his letter of credence as the non-resident ambassador of the Maldives to South Korea to South Korean President Park Geun-hye at the Blue House. On 14 June 2018, he participated in the first Japan-Maldives Policy Dialogue which was held in Tokyo as Vice-Minister for Bilateral Relations and exchanged opinions with Nariki Takizaki, the Director of Southern Asia, and others.

On 22 November 2018, he was appointed Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. On 27 August 2019, he participated in the 2nd Japan-Maldives Policy Dialogue held in Malé and exchanged opinions with Shigeki Takizaki, the Director of Southeast and Southwest Asian affairs department. On 4 March 2021, he participated in the 3rd Japan-Maldives Policy Dialogue held in and online video conference format as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and exchanged opinions with Kenichi Kobayashi, the Director-General of Southeast and Southwest Asian Affairs department.

On 4 October 2021, Khaleel signed and exchanged letters with Keiko Yanai, Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives, in Malé regarding the Economic and Social Development Plan, a grant aid with a maximum of . On 30 May 2022, a letter was signed and exchanged with Midori Takeuchi, Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives, in Malé regarding the "Economic and Social Development Plan" 650 million yen grant aid.

On 27 September 2022, Khaleel attended the Funeral of Shinzo Abe along with Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid, Maldivian ambassador to Japan Hassan Sobir, and Deputy Ambassador Mohammad Ameetou Ahmed Manik.

On 4 April 2023, he participated in the 4th Japan-Maldives Policy Dialogue held in Tokyo as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and exchanged opinions with Yutaka Arima, Director of Southeast and Southwest Asian Affairs department.

Awards and Honours

In November 2023, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih awarded Khaleel the Most Distinguished Foreign Service Medal.

In 2024, the Japanese government awarded Khaleel with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, by Emperor Naruhito.