President Dr Mohamed Muizzu conferred the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin (O.D.R.I.) on Hassan Sobir this morning, during a special ceremony held to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of Independence Day.
Hassan Sobir has been recognised for his exceptional service across key sectors of the national economy, including tourism, fisheries, and agriculture. His notable contributions to the foreign service and his involvement in the planning and implementation of numerous development projects have been instrumental to the nation’s progress.
He began his public service on 7 February 1973, with one of his most prominent early roles at the National Planning Agency. Following the establishment of the Ministry of Planning and Development on 10 November 1982, he continued to serve in various positions within the Ministry.
On 11 November 1993, Sobir was appointed Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture in the cabinet formed after former President Uz Maumoon Abdul Gayoom commenced his fourth term. He continued in cabinet during President Maumoon’s fifth term, this time as Minister of Tourism, where his efforts made a significant impact on the development of the sector.
In subsequent years, Sobir's diplomatic service further cemented his legacy. He has represented the Maldives as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, the first Resident High Commissioner of Maldives to Singapore, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Belgium and European Union, and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Japan.
He currently serves as the Ambassador of the Maldives to Japan under the Administration of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. With more than 38 years of dedicated public service, Hassan Sobir’s lifelong commitment to national development and diplomacy stands as a remarkable testament to his enduring contributions to the nation.