President Solih: Islam was the true seal that binds sovereignty & independence

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Tuesday stated that Maldivian citizens won’t accept anything less than the preservation of their liberty and an independent and sovereign nation.

The statement was made during the televised address to the nation on the occasion of Maldives' 57th Anniversary of Independence.

After extending felicitations to people, he went on to state that Islam was the true seal that binds sovereignty and independence and that the Islamic faith is the greatest blessing that the Maldivians have received.

He also reflected on the historical significance of the country's independence, stating that the Maldivian people always yearned for freedom, liberty, and unity and have made every sacrifice to achieve them.

Moreover, President Solih paid respects to the heroes of Independence Day who lost their lives in battle.

Further, in the speech, he emphasized the significance of foreign and domestic affairs in preserving independence, highlighting that the administration's foreign policy was designed to embody policies that protect freedom while also assisting in development.

“…it was the state's highest priority to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.”

He reiterated that the nation’s security forces continuously monitor for domestic and foreign interventions that could potentially jeopardize the enshrined liberty and freedoms.

Continuing in this regard, the President stated that the Maldives must maintain its sovereignty by adhering to Islamic virtues in order to avoid being swayed by the influences of a rapidly changing world.

Furthermore, he addressed the importance of peace and harmony within society and went on to stress the importance of working together to minimize differences. He also added that community divisions and discord do not represent independence.

He stated that Maldives must remain a peaceful country in order for its people to go about their daily lives, and that this could only be accomplished by learning to value differences of opinion and listening to opposing points of view.

President Solih in the speech addressed the economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.

Noting that its impacts were visible in the Maldives, he said that while global prices for goods and fuel had risen significantly, Maldivians had not incurred the full brunt of these increases due to government intervention.

President Solih went on to say that the government's primary responsibility is to absorb the effects of similar hardships experienced around the world while minimizing any harm to its citizens.

The Maldives celebrates its Independence Day on July 26 every year, which commemorates the country's independence from British rule.