It is time for the foreign service sector of Maldives to adopt a research based system, states Foreign Secretary Ahmed Sareer.
Addressing a signing ceremony held to sign a memorandum of understanding between the Foreign Service Institute of Maldives (FOSIM) and Maldives National University (MNU) to develop human resources, Foreign Secretary Sareer highlighted the importance of cooperating with institutions such as the Maldives National University, to further professionalise the foreign service. He also noted the importance of undertaking research on the international profile, and international engagement of the Maldives, as well as how various global issues impact the Maldives, and its foreign policy.
FOSIM would collaborate with MNU in the programmes of international relations to strengthen the objective of such programmes, Foreign Ministry Sareer revealed. He noted that staff of the ministry are always in communication with foreign individuals and therefore, the importance to develop well trained professionals in the sector.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Foreign Secretary Ahmed Sareer and Vice Chancellor of MNU Dr Ali Fawaaz Shareef.
The MoU aims to facilitate and increase cooperation between FOSIM and MNU on collaborative research, academic training and capacity building, and exchange of human and academic resources.
FOSIM was established on January 16, 2014, by President Yameen Abdul Gayoom, under the administrative structure of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the aim of promoting professionalism in the foreign service.