President: The award reinforces my anti-terror efforts

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom says the Award of Recognition conferred to him by International Moderation Forum is an additional encouragement to his efforts to stamp out terrorism.

President Yameen was conferred the most prestigious award by International Moderation Forum in a function held at President’s Office this Sunday.

Speaking at the function, President Yameen said he was proud to be the third person to receive the award. He said the award was encouragement to his efforts to stamp out terrorism.

President Yameen said Maldives has made great strides in efforts to counter terrorism. He said the National Counter-Terrorism Center established in 2016 is evidence of the efforts.

“We being Muslims need to support such initiatives to counter extremist propaganda. God’s Law teaches that only good can counter the bad,” said President Yameen.

He said the Muslim community is at a fragile stage, and that support of the entire Muslim community is necessary in order to overcome the current challenges facing the community.

“The state of the Muslim community is grim the likes never seen in history. Many countries have been destroyed by internal conflict and war. The pain and concern felt by our fellow brothers and sisters in Palestine, Syria, Yemen, Rohingya and other parts of the world are our own. It’s our responsibility to help them,” said President Yameen.

He said there were many reasons why the Muslim community should unite and work together.