President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Saturday merged the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy with the Ministry of Tourism to create a new Ministry of Tourism and Environment, appointing Thoriq Ibrahim to lead the newly formed ministry.
The appointment ceremony took place on Saturday afternoon at the President's Office.
Prior to assuming his new role, Minister Thoriq took his oath of office before Chief Justice Ahmed Muthasim Adnan. Following the oath, President Dr Muizzu presented him with his ministerial appointment letter.
After the formal appointment, President Dr Muizzu held a meeting with Minister Thoriq.
During their discussion, the President emphasised the strategic importance of promoting the Maldives through an integrated approach that highlights the synergy between the nation's environmental heritage and its tourism sector.
President Dr Muizzu’s decision to merge the two ministries came just five days after he dismissed Minister of Tourism, Ibrahim Faisal from his post.
Faisal, who was appointed as the Minister of Tourism on 17 November 2023, has been relieved of his duties, the President’s Office had said without offering any details behind his sudden dismissal.