President Solih: Defence control must be with army

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Tuesday said that the army must always have "command and control" over safeguarding the nation.

Speaking at the official function held to mark the 130th anniversary of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), he went on to state that this includes internal and external threats that posed to the nation's independence and sovereignty.

Stating that independence was the most significant asset for any nation, President Solih said that the brave soldiers of MNDF are the first line of defence protecting the Maldives' independence and sovereignty.

During the speech, he addressed the global threat of terrorism that poses a risk to Maldives as well. He added that as these terrorists keep up with all the technological advancements and become more innovative, Maldivian people must also be extra vigilant.

Reiterating that soldiers are at the forefront of protecting citizens from such threats, the President said that the administration places a high precedence on increasing defence capabilities due to this.

Furthermore, he said that soldiers now have the opportunity to advance their careers based on their abilities without discrimination or gender bias.

President Solih also said that military personnel undertake civil responsibilities and have a duty to serve the people, and in this regard, he highlighted military assistance provided to the general public during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Expressing tremendous gratitude for their services and he announced the decision to award the servicemen a "Humanitarian Service Medal".

In his address, he took time to shed light on the administration's efforts over the last two years to increase military operational capacity and revealed that MNDF had acquired modern equipment that soldiers needed to defend and protect themselves, and also improved its ability to identify and counter-terrorist activities.

He further added that the military personnel had access to specialised education and skill development programmes.

Additionally, President Solih praised the gender equality seen in the ranks of the armed forces.

He said that MNDF is considered an exemplary institution in which female soldiers are prepared and ready to hold fort alongside their male counterparts.

Moreover, he highlighted the promotion of female soldiers to Lieutenant Colonel rank for the first time last year. Two of the officers were now an essential part of the MNDF's advisory council.

President Solih also spoke on the importance of maintaining regional peace and stability to ensure the country's security and emphasised the role played by the Maldivian military in this regard.