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. He made the remark in a televised address to the nation on the occasion of Maldives’ 57th Anniversary of Independence.

The President extended felicitations to the people of the Maldives on the occasion of the Independence Day. In his speech, he said that Islam is the true seal that binds sovereignty and independence, and that the Islamic faith is the greatest blessing that the Maldivians have received. President Solih 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. He then paid respects to the heroes of the Independence Day who lost their lives in battle.

The President emphasised the importance 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. President Solih said that 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 jeopardise 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.

In his speech, President Solih spoke about the importance of peace and harmony within the society. The President stressed the importance of working together to minimise differences, adding that community divisions and discord do not represent independence.

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

The President also stated that the economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war were visible in the Maldives. He noted 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 minimising any harm to its citizens.

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