Male’, Maldives – President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih stated that the his administration will always prioritize the continued independence and sovereignty of Maldives, and the welfare of the citizens while fostering any ties with foreign nations.
Speaking during a televised address to the nation on the occasion of National Day, President Solih highlighted how Maldives was sidelined from the international arena and stripped of many opportunities to aid, privileges and resources due to an isolationist foreign policy.
President Solih went onto explain the benefits available to the Maldives since his administration’s decision to revise foreign policies and make efforts to restore amicable international relations. As such, he affirmed that the financial and technical assistance granted to the Maldives as foreign aid during the Covid-19 pandemic is a distinct result of sound foreign policy and outstanding international relations.
Further, the President detailed the history behind the National Day of Maldives, reiterating the braveness and service of Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam who delivered the Maldives from the occupation of the Portuguese. He urged the public to pay their respects to all national heroes who sacrificed their lives for the freedom and independence of and encouraged individual patriotic duty to protect the nation.
Continuing his address, President Solih stressed that it is every citizen’s obligation to protect the most fundamental pillars of the Maldives’, which is the faith, language and culture of the country, adding that every Maldivian citizen is charged with nurturing these three central factors and with the mission to foster younger generations with familiarity and respect for these values. President Solih concluded his address with a prayer to Allah Almighty to protect the faith, sovereignty and people of the Maldives.
National Day is celebrated on the first day of Rabi’ al-awwal every year. The day is marked to commemorate the victory of Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam against the Portuguese invaders, ending a 15 year-long occupation of the Maldives in 1573.
