President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has urged all involved in the political field to prioritize the national interest above all else.
He made the comments in a televised national address this morning on the occasion of the Maldives’ 55th Independence Day.
Addressing the nation, Solih said that although we may hold different views, there are certain fundamental principles upon which we must all agree; and that politicizing every trivial thing to create divisions and strife within the community is a vice.
The President noted that the constitution inaugurated a multi-party democracy in the Maldives, in which individuals holding diverse views are welcomed to express their opinions and contribute to nation-building.
He stated that his Administration will always value the input of those who disagree with it politically and welcomed their assistance in the pursuit of broad national interests.
President Solih noted that the Maldives won its independence through peaceful means and foresight.
Therefore, he emphasized that the Maldives’ national policy priorities and political direction must ensure that continued independence is maintained through peaceful means.
He mentioned that an important part of this entails open engagement with the international community: concerted global effort will be required to resolve pressing international issues, including recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and addressing climate change.
Reflecting on how far the Maldives has come through its reliance on two industries it developed through its own efforts – tourism, and pole-and-line fishing – the President remarked that now is an opportune time to begin diversifying the country’s economy.
The participation of women and youth in this endeavor, he noted, will be crucial.
He also spoke on the importance of speedily expanding Maldives’ human resource capacity, so that we can overcome the economic challenges COVID-19 has forced us to endure.
Speaking further, the President noted that Islam is the main source of the Maldives’ national pride. He stressed that the pillars upon which we have built our national identity – our mother tongue, our heritage, and our way of life – have all been established through Islamic influences.
He further highlighted the importance of always preserving Islam and the other essential pillars that comprise our national identity.
The President stated that after 55 years of independence, the direction of the country’s development compass should be clear to all. He reminded every Maldivian citizen that they have a collective and individual responsibility to do their utmost to help this country develop and prosper. He also noted that an important aspect of this is to shape one’s life to always embrace change and progress.
