President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has described Maldives’ main airport, Velana International Airport (VIA) as the main pillar of the island nation’s economic independence.
Speaking during the grand ceremony to unveil VIA’s new international passenger terminal on Saturday evening, the President explained his decision to fasttrack the opening of the terminal to coincide with the 60th anniversary of independence.
He insisted that economic independence remains essential to maintaining Maldives’ independence and sovereignty, pointing out that VIA is the most crucial pillar ensuring the country’s economic independence.
President Dr Muizzu expressed confidence that the new terminal would inject fresh impetus to the nation’s economic growth, urging the Maldivian people to put aside self interest for the betterment of the country.
"Everyone must roll up their sleeves and resolve to move forward together as one. If we move forward as one, we will achieve this kind of progress and development along the way. Our minds will develop and bring about meaningful infrastructure development,” he said.
The President described the new terminal as the beginning of a new era of development and economic growth for the Maldives.
During his short speech, President Dr Muizzu thanked all those who worked tirelessly to complete the new terminal project ahead of schedule and recognised the role of his two predecessors in bringing this landmark project to fruition. The President also expressed gratitude to the generous financial assistance provided by the Saudi Fund for Development, Kuwait Fund, Abu Dhabi Fund and OPEC Fund in making the new terminal project a reality.