President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom and First Lady Madam Fathimath Ibrahim have today met with the Maldivians residing in New Delhi, as part of their visit to India.
Speaking at the meeting, President Yameen expressed his hopes that his discussions with the Indian government would be beneficial to all Maldivians. Pointing out that India was Maldives’ closest friend within the South Asian region, the President said that at every time of national distress in the Maldives, the Indian government has been ready to provide the most significant and sincere support and assistance.
Addressing the Maldivian students at the meeting, the President said that the opportunity of pursuing university education was one of life’s biggest achievements.
Stressing on the dire state of today’s Maldivian economy, the President said that the most crucial step towards erecting the economy was securing means to fulfill our own needs. He said that his interaction with the Maldivian students this evening has enlightened him that every issue they faced was eventually tied to financial difficulties.
In his speech, the President said that all students must keep in mind that being under duress was not only politically taking over another country, and that modern day captivity was the inability of a country to be economically self-sufficient. He noted that we should always be mindful that at times of need; there is always a price to pay, in today’s globalized world.
“The government may not be able to afford it, or even be forced to take an action that threatens the nation’s sovereignty. For this reason, we need to be a self-sufficient country, a self-sufficient people”, said the President.
In his speech, President Yameen underlined that political disputes were inevitable; however, he said all political leaders must always put forth national harmony. He said that political differences were matters that could be resolved through dialogue, and that it was unacceptable that most of the time the common people are burdened because of the conflict caused by political leaders.
Member of Parliament and Leader of Jumhooree Party Qasim Ibrahim, and Member of Parliament and Leader of Maldives Development Alliance Ahmed Siyam Mohamed also spoke to the gathering this evening.
Speaking at the meeting, the Maldivian High Commissioner accredited to India conveyed gratitude to the President and First Lady for meeting the Maldivian community. He expressed hopes that the President’s visit would prove to be fruitful.
