President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that Maldives needs to strengthen its modern military capabilities.

Delivering his presidential address at the opening of the Parliament this morning, the President said the Country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) will soon be equipped with the capability to maintain 24x7 uninterrupted supervision in the military.

"I believe that the country needs to strengthen its modern military capabilities that can defend itself at every avenue. We will hopefully start doing it soon. We will soon have military capability to defend the 900,000-square-kilometre special economic zone round-the-clock," he said.

He said that under every leadership in the Maldives, the focus has been on strengthening the nation's defense.

The President further said that while protecting the country's independence and sovereignty, the main principle that can be retained in the administration of the country is to give priority to the indigenous people and the country or the principle of 'Pro Maldives'.