President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Friday appealed to the citizens, emphasising the need for a firm resolve in upholding and protecting the nation’s honour and sovereignty. The President made this statement on Friday in his written address to the nation on the occasion of Victory Day 2023.
Highlighting the occasion's significance, President Solih paid tribute to the courageous heroes who protected the Maldives' sovereignty and independence against armed foreign troops.
In his statement, President Solih underscored the paramount importance of prioritising national interests above individual interests. He further stressed the necessity to abstain from any actions that could potentially compromise the independence and sovereignty of the nation. The President appealed to Maldivians about the need to instil in young minds the spirit for individual efforts to protect the nation’s independence and sovereignty. He further highlighted that fostering a sense of national pride in the younger generation and encouraging them to prioritise national interests are crucial aspects of commemorating Victory Day.
He additionally emphasised that one of the most crucial reasons for commemorating Victory Day was to create awareness about the necessity of concerted efforts by both the government and its people, aimed at the shared goal of preserving the nation’s independence and sovereignty. He then credited the victory to the joint efforts of the then-government and the Maldivian people in successfully thwarting the brutal assault on November 3, 1988. President Solih accredited this triumph to the robust spirit of unity and sacrifice common among the citizens for their nation.
In his address, President Solih provided a thoughtful reflection on the ongoing challenges faced by the global Muslim community. He drew particular attention to the plight of Palestinians, who have been living under Zionist occupation for over seven decades. President Solih expressed profound concern over the unparalleled and inhumane conditions that are without precedent in the modern world, currently being endured by Palestinians. In an era where advocacy for democracy and human rights is echoed across the globe, President Solih underscored that there are no other citizens more deprived of justice than Palestinian citizens.