President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih says developing more land has been a top priority in the last five years as part of efforts to address the housing crisis that Maldivians in the Male' region and the islands are currently experiencing. He made this remark while delivering his Republic Day address this morning.

In his remarks, the President shed light on the efforts underway to develop the land areas of Gulhi Falhu, Giravaru Falhu, Uthuru Thila Falhu, and Hulhumale' Phase III to alleviate the housing shortage.

As such, he highlighted that over 6,500 of the 9,031 land recipients among the Male’ citizens had received their land titles. He additionally stated that to ease the housing shortage, 2,732 housing units were built in the atolls, and 7,700 housing units were built in the Male region.

While shedding light on the government's achievements in foreign relations, the President commented on the atrocities committed by Israel against the Palestinian people.

The President affirmed that the Maldivians’ solidarity and support for the independence of Palestine will never change.

He further stated that the Maldives' external ties with the international community strengthened the most during the last five years.

He declared that 101 countries now allow Maldivians to travel without a visa and that the nation's diplomatic and political ties have increased to 185 nations. He additionally noted the Maldives' successful presidency during the 76th UN General Assembly.