President Mohamed Waheed has called upon the Maldivian National Defence Force to promote and maintain a professional military that is loved and respected by the people.
Speaking on Sunday evening at a function at Kalhuthukalaa Koshi in Male to mark the 120th anniversary of the defence force, the President appealed to the MNDF to safeguard and protect the country’s Constitution in order to maintain democracy in the country. He added, capacity development, religious spirit, patriotism, and readiness to discharge lawful duties should be prioritised.
Focusing on MDNF’s slogan, ‘unity of the forces, security of the nation’ for the year ahead, President Waheed noted such a slogan was timely given the current situation in the country. He noted that "nobody has ever been successful in destroying the spirit of unity and determination" of the MDNF.
“It requires unwavering unity in the defence force in order to ensure independence, sovereignty and nationhood for the future generations,” added the President.
The President noted that the defence force has a long history of national services, including defending the country from any external attack with courage and determination.
The President announced that, based on international best practices, there would be fixed terms of office for Chief of Defence Force and Vice Chief of Defence Force. He added this would ensure those posts were free from political influences. The decision was taken with the recommendation of Minister of Defence and National Security.
