President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has said that the country's economy can be protected and strengthened independently only by bringing military power to the armed forces.

Speaking at the official ceremony of the 133rd anniversary of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) held at Kalhuthukkalaa Koshi tonight, the President said that while protecting the country's economic zone is legally mandated for the military, the necessary resources for this are not established in the service.

The President said that while the military's land and sea vehicles are old, damaged, and need to be increased, this government has started work to enhance the military's capabilities.

"My vision is to continue this work in this way and, God willing, in the not-too-distant future, to create an Air Force, Navy, and also an Army within the Maldivian military. God willing, I will work to strengthen the Maldivian military force to that level," the President said.

The President said that the work to strengthen the national defense force is something to be done with pride for the protection, security, and freedom of the Maldives and to pass on that freedom to future generations, and it is not something to be ashamed of. He characterized those who are ashamed of this as people without patriotism who are willing to accept any state of the country.

"Those who mock this, I believe, are people without nationalism, without patriotic love, who have gone to the extreme of servility, and who are politically willing to accept any state of the country," the President said.

The President further said that improving the military's standards is essential for protecting the country's independence and sovereignty.