President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said that the intention of strengthening our military’s capabilities is to help them to preserve the country’s peace and tranquility.

The President made the remarks addressing graduates of the Maldives National Defence Forces’ (MNDF’s) 66th basic training course. At a ceremony held at Lhaviyani atoll Maafilaafushi this morning, President Solih said that the true purpose of the military is to promote peace and security, and to avert conflict and bloodshed.

President Solih acknowledged that the recent graduates were tested on their physical and mental skills and on their ability to defend the nation. Emphasizing that the military profession requires discipline and the constant seeking of knowledge.

The President also said that one of the key challenges faced by our security services, is terrorism and he expressed his conviction that the recent graduates of the MNDF’s 66th basic training course will utilize their knowledge and skill to do their utmost to prevent terrorism and violent extremism.

President Solih has said that the military oath, which derives from Islamic principles and the Maldives’ Constitution, embodies the core values that soldiers must uphold. Of these, he highlighted the particular importance of honesty and integrity, while urging soldiers to always put the defense of our religion, country, and constitution, ahead of individual interests.