Maldives must be a strong military power: President

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that strengthening the military is an essential step towards making the Maldives a robust nation that achieves strong economic and comprehensive development.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the first Air Station of the Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF) Air Corps in Gan, Addu, President Muizzu highlighted that establishing the center is a major advancement for the aerial monitoring of the entire country.

The President noted that work is also progressing quickly to establish a second Air Station in the northern region, specifically in Sh. Funadhoo.

President Muizzu confirmed that efforts are underway to acquire additional resources to improve the standard of the military service. These efforts include successful work to double the Coast Guard fleet as per the established policy and achievements in enhancing the capacity of the MNDF Marine Corps.

President emphasized that the military also has a role to play in human development, and funds have been allocated in next year's budget for these activities, which will benefit both the nation and its citizens.

The President stressed that large investments will only flow into a country when investors are confident in its security. Therefore, enhancing the capability of the Air Corps will lead to the advancement of the nation's economy.

He noted that developed Islamic Arab nations around the world are also following this principle.

"Therefore, in our effort to protect our national identity, ensure our Islamic unity, and open our country economically, establishing a strong military force is absolutely necessary," the President said.

The President confirmed that significant work is being undertaken to achieve these goals. He announced plans to establish a Training Facility at the Air Corps base for human resource development.

He also mentioned that land reclamation and related work have begun at K. Girifushi, which is used for military training, and development work is progressing at Lh. Maafilaafushi, another military base.

The President announced that the number of people recruited next year under the National Service Program, which began this year, will be significantly increased. He added that the establishment of new military centers in Malé and other related projects have also been budgeted.

The President stated that all these efforts are being made for the future of the nation, and their success will aid in the work to transform the country into an independent, sovereign, and developed nation that is achieving progress.

"We are undertaking all these endeavors because we believe they are very important matters being built and established for the future of the Maldivian nation. God willing, the success of these things will play a vital role in our effort to make this country an independent, sovereign, and developed nation that is achieving progress," the President said.

President Muizzu concluded that all these efforts are being made for the future of the nation, and their success will help in the endeavor to make the Maldives an independent, sovereign, and developed nation.

The President reiterated his belief that a developed country must have a strong military power, and thus, efforts have begun to acquire military aircraft for the Air Corps. He stressed that the MNDF must be made a strong force capable of protecting and defending the nation at all times.