President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has called on all Maldivians to take pride in the ongoing transformation of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), asserting that defending national sovereignty is not just a government responsibility - but a patriotic duty shared by all citizens.
Speaking at a ceremony held at Kalhuthukkalaa Koshi to mark the 133rd anniversary of the MNDF, President Muizzu reaffirmed that his administration’s top priority is to safeguard the nation's independence, sovereignty, and autonomy for future generations.
Highlighting defence vulnerabilities he inherited, the President stated, “When I took office, our vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) was unprotected. That was just the beginning. That work is ongoing.”
President Muizzu outlined major defence policy objectives, including:
- Doubling the capacity of the Coast Guard, with rapid progress already underway;
- Strengthening land forces through increased manpower, resources, and operational readiness;
- Establishing air bases in the north and south to protect the nation's territorial integrity and support surveillance over the EEZ.
He issued a stern rebuke to those who downplay or ridicule the military's development, describing such individuals as lacking patriotism, selfish, and politically reckless. The President said that defending the nation from this mindset is a shared civic responsibility.
“This isn’t just about building capacity—it’s about protecting our way of life and our place in the world,” he said.