President calls on armed forces to protect nation's unity

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih called on the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) on Tuesday to protect the nation's unity and refrain from any actions that could disrupt it.

He made these remarks in his speech at the event held to mark the 131st anniversary of the armed forces.

The president was joined at the event held at Kalhuthuhkala Koshi by First Lady Fazna Ahmed, defence minister Mariya Ahmed Didi, army chief Major General Abdulla Shamal, and senior officials and officers of the armed forces.

President Solih stated that the armed forces have the utmost national and individual responsibility to protect and maintain peace, stability, and harmony. He highlighted that they have steadfastly upheld our independence and sovereignty, despite the global challenges.

The president stated that the only way to ensure the Maldives' continued independence and sovereignty is to safeguard and promote regional and international security. He added that this can only be achieved through close cooperation with other countries and international partners.

President Solih also highlighted the developments and achievements made by the MNDF over the past years. He noted that the armed forces now have servicemen and servicewomen who are highly educated and capable and who have received military training and skills. He also mentioned the MNDF's role in protecting the country and nation from land, air, and sea threats.

The president discussed the administration's plans to provide housing and improve the wage structure of the armed forces. He announced that the administration plans to develop 138 new housing units for servicemen and servicewomen.

The president added that the administration would put out a tender for the development of a 480-person and 100-person accommodation block in Kalhuthuhkala Koshi barracks this year. He also stated that the salaries and allowances of the armed forces would see positive changes once the administration's efforts to harmonise pay are completed.

President Solih noted the administration's efforts over the past four years to advance and develop the armed forces. He cited numerous accomplishments, including the unprecedented enhancement of capabilities. He also stated that the government is acquiring advanced weapon-firing simulators and anti-drone systems and is planning to develop the Coastguard and Fire and Rescue Services.

At the ceremony, the president presented medals to four retired generals and other servicemen and servicewomen who had distinguished themselves in service to the armed forces. The military, in its present form, was instituted on April 21, 1892, during the reign of Sultan Ibrahim Nooraddin Siree Sundura Kaththiri Bavana Mahaaradhun.