President Mohamed Nasheed and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has congratulated and commended the valuable services of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), noting their contributions towards the development of Addu City and provision of security for SAARC Summit to be held in Addu City this November.
The President made this statement at a reception held to address the Joint Inter-Agency Task Force at Jumhooree Maidhaan yesterday.
Speaking at the reception, President Mohamed Nasheed said the MNDF have provided their services at every instance of national importance, and particularly noted their support in bringing democratic and sustainable development to the country.
In his address, President Mohamed Nasheed said in order to expand and modernize the military services, it was necessary to decentralize the forces. The MNDF has already divided its forces into four regional commands; one in Malé, and one each in the South, North and Central regions.
The President further congratulated MNDF’s Southern Area Commander Brigadier General Ibrahim Mohamed Didi for his well-integrated and cooperative efforts to develop Addu City for upcoming SAARC Summit. The President further commended the efforts of Minister of Defence Thalhath Ibrahim Kaleyfaanu for his leadership in motivating the MNDF to serve in a national cause.
In his address the President said that a national force that should act in unity and unconditionally, without political influence, and with the nation’s interest in mind.
At the ceremony, Vice Chief of Defence Force Brigadier General Faruhath Shaheer read out the citation of MNDF objectives prior to the closing of the ceremony.
