{"id":16309,"date":"2025-07-26T16:19:11","date_gmt":"2025-07-26T11:19:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mbt.mv\/?p=16309"},"modified":"2025-07-26T16:19:11","modified_gmt":"2025-07-26T11:19:11","slug":"president-muizzu-reaffirms-maldives-sovereignty-in-historic-independence-day-address-to-mndf-and-police","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mbt.mv\/?p=16309","title":{"rendered":"President Muizzu Reaffirms Maldives’ Sovereignty in Historic Independence Day Address to MNDF and Police"},"content":{"rendered":"

In a powerful and historic address delivered on the occasion of the 60th Independence Day<\/strong>, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu<\/strong> reaffirmed the Maldives\u2019 unwavering commitment to national sovereignty, declaring that \u201cevery square inch\u201d<\/strong> of the nation\u2019s territory will be safeguarded by Maldivians themselves<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The address \u2014 delivered at a joint ceremonial gathering of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and the Maldives Police Service (MPS)<\/strong> \u2014 marked the first time in the country\u2019s history<\/strong> that a Maldivian Head of State has formally addressed both national forces together on Independence Day.<\/p>\n

A Clear Message on Sovereignty<\/h3>\n

During his remarks, President Muizzu underscored the critical importance of a strong, self-reliant national security apparatus<\/strong>, particularly in the context of the Maldives\u2019 vast maritime domain. Despite the nation\u2019s small population, he declared that it is Maldivians who must bear the responsibility of protecting their homeland<\/strong>, with courage and dedication.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe world may be large, and our population may be small. But this land \u2014 its land, sea, and skies \u2014 shall be protected by Maldivians,\u201d President Muizzu asserted, drawing a standing ovation from service personnel in attendance.<\/p>\n

International Cooperation Without Compromise<\/h3>\n

While acknowledging the practical need for foreign technical expertise and resources<\/strong>, the President clarified that the Maldives’ national policy does not allow any foreign power to take the lead in domestic affairs<\/strong>. He reaffirmed the Government\u2019s willingness to collaborate with international partners<\/strong>, but firmly stressed that leadership and sovereignty over national security will remain strictly within Maldivian hands.<\/p>\n

Commitment to the Armed Forces<\/h3>\n

President Muizzu also addressed concerns raised in some quarters regarding the administration\u2019s strong focus on strengthening MNDF and MPS<\/strong>, noting that such emphasis is not only strategic but essential. \u201cA nation must always be prepared to protect its people. This is not an option \u2014 it is a responsibility,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

He pledged that the development, training, and equipping of the MNDF and MPS<\/strong> will continue to be a top priority of his Government \u2014 a matter of both national pride<\/strong> and sacred duty<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Honouring the Legacy of National Heroes<\/h3>\n

In a poignant tribute, the President honoured the sacrifices made by the country\u2019s forebears<\/strong>, whose courage laid the foundation for the Maldives\u2019 independence. He called on every citizen to recognise this legacy and embrace the shared responsibility of preserving freedom and sovereignty for future generations<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet this Independence Day not only be a celebration but a renewed pledge \u2014 to protect, to serve, and to uphold the dignity of this beloved nation,\u201d the President concluded.<\/p>\n

The joint ceremony was attended by senior government officials, military and police leadership, and personnel from across the forces<\/strong>, symbolising unity, national resolve, and the enduring commitment to a secure and sovereign Maldives.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In a powerful and historic address delivered on the occasion of the 60th Independence Day, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu reaffirmed the Maldives\u2019 unwavering commitment to national sovereignty, declaring that \u201cevery square inch\u201d of the nation\u2019s territory will be safeguarded by Maldivians themselves. The address \u2014 delivered at a joint ceremonial gathering of the Maldives National<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":16310,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2981,2506],"tags":[3280,3275,1409,1511,3276,3279,2683],"class_list":{"0":"post-16309","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-government","8":"category-top-stories-block","9":"tag-defence-policy","10":"tag-maldives-independence-day","11":"tag-maritime-security","12":"tag-mndf","13":"tag-mps","14":"tag-national-sovereignty","15":"tag-president-muizzu"},"yoast_head":"\nPresident Muizzu Reaffirms Maldives' Sovereignty in Historic Independence Day Address to MNDF and Police - Maldives Business Times<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/mbt.mv\/?p=16309\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"President Muizzu Reaffirms Maldives' Sovereignty in Historic Independence Day Address to MNDF and Police - Maldives Business Times\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"In a powerful and historic address delivered on the occasion of the 60th Independence Day, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu reaffirmed the Maldives\u2019 unwavering commitment to national sovereignty, declaring that \u201cevery square inch\u201d of the nation\u2019s territory will be safeguarded by Maldivians themselves. 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