President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu expressed his commitment to prioritizing the people’s needs and serving with sincerity during his five-year term, emphasizing a focus on genuine public service over defending the government. He made these remarks at the Republic Day ceremony held at Dharubaaruge.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Muizzu highlighted the importance of putting public interest at the center of governance. He announced plans to develop a 20-year national development master plan, incorporating input from citizens on their aspirations for the Maldives. He stated that this vision for national progress would transcend political agendas, relying instead on collaborative public engagement to shape the country’s future.
President Muizzu pledged to introduce legislation to establish a constitutionally-backed framework for the development plan to support this initiative. He confirmed that work on this legislative measure is already underway, emphasizing a desire for Maldivian development to reflect the collective aspirations of its people, with input from citizens, professionals, and stakeholders across sectors.
As part of this long-term vision, the President unveiled plans to create two Integrated Development Zones in the northernmost and southernmost regions and seven urban centers across the nation. These areas are designed to foster regional growth, enhance public services, and provide economic opportunities for communities beyond Malé.
The President also addressed the government’s stance on foreign policy, emphasizing that the guiding principle would be the best interest of Maldivian citizens. He underscored that the government’s top priority remains safeguarding the nation’s independence and sovereignty. President Muizzu assured citizens that his administration would maintain friendly relations with other countries while advocating reciprocal respect for Maldivian sovereignty.
Reflecting on his achievements in office, President Muizzu highlighted the peaceful withdrawal of all foreign military personnel from the Maldives as of May 10, following diplomatic negotiations. He noted this milestone as a testament to his commitment to national sovereignty and expressed pride in his loyalty to the Maldivian people.
The President also addressed ongoing efforts to reclaim portions of Maldivian waters, which he said had been given away in violation of the constitution without parliamentary consent. He shared updates on the legal and diplomatic efforts led by a representative from the Attorney General's Office at the United Nations and a dedicated team of lawyers. Following recent developments with the British government’s transfer of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius, the Maldives formally communicated its historical ties to the Chagos Islands in an official letter.
Regarding national security, President Muizzu detailed advancements in maritime monitoring, including establishing a military air force unit equipped with UAVs for continuous surveillance of one of the world’s largest Exclusive Economic Zones. He emphasized the government’s commitment to self-reliance in maritime security, ending agreements with outside entities and focusing on developing the nation’s own capabilities, including seabed mapping and survey training.
During the Republic Day ceremony, President Muizzu honored Dr. Mohamed Zahir Hussain, Chancellor of the Islamic University of Maldives, with the Order of Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin (ODRI), the nation’s highest accolade for contributions to education. Additionally, he presented honorary badges and shields to 53 individuals in recognition of their long-standing service to the state and special presidential awards to 40 individuals who achieved high academic distinctions.
The Republic Day ceremony celebrated the achievements of distinguished Maldivians and President Muizzu's commitment to a government driven by public service, national pride, and a long-term vision for the Maldives’ future.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Muizzu highlighted the importance of putting public interest at the center of governance. He announced plans to develop a 20-year national development master plan, incorporating input from citizens on their aspirations for the Maldives. He stated that this vision for national progress would transcend political agendas, relying instead on collaborative public engagement to shape the country’s future.
President Muizzu pledged to introduce legislation to establish a constitutionally-backed framework for the development plan to support this initiative. He confirmed that work on this legislative measure is already underway, emphasizing a desire for Maldivian development to reflect the collective aspirations of its people, with input from citizens, professionals, and stakeholders across sectors.
As part of this long-term vision, the President unveiled plans to create two Integrated Development Zones in the northernmost and southernmost regions and seven urban centers across the nation. These areas are designed to foster regional growth, enhance public services, and provide economic opportunities for communities beyond Malé.
The President also addressed the government’s stance on foreign policy, emphasizing that the guiding principle would be the best interest of Maldivian citizens. He underscored that the government’s top priority remains safeguarding the nation’s independence and sovereignty. President Muizzu assured citizens that his administration would maintain friendly relations with other countries while advocating reciprocal respect for Maldivian sovereignty.
Reflecting on his achievements in office, President Muizzu highlighted the peaceful withdrawal of all foreign military personnel from the Maldives as of May 10, following diplomatic negotiations. He noted this milestone as a testament to his commitment to national sovereignty and expressed pride in his loyalty to the Maldivian people.
The President also addressed ongoing efforts to reclaim portions of Maldivian waters, which he said had been given away in violation of the constitution without parliamentary consent. He shared updates on the legal and diplomatic efforts led by a representative from the Attorney General's Office at the United Nations and a dedicated team of lawyers. Following recent developments with the British government’s transfer of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius, the Maldives formally communicated its historical ties to the Chagos Islands in an official letter.
Regarding national security, President Muizzu detailed advancements in maritime monitoring, including establishing a military air force unit equipped with UAVs for continuous surveillance of one of the world’s largest Exclusive Economic Zones. He emphasized the government’s commitment to self-reliance in maritime security, ending agreements with outside entities and focusing on developing the nation’s own capabilities, including seabed mapping and survey training.
During the Republic Day ceremony, President Muizzu honored Dr. Mohamed Zahir Hussain, Chancellor of the Islamic University of Maldives, with the Order of Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin (ODRI), the nation’s highest accolade for contributions to education. Additionally, he presented honorary badges and shields to 53 individuals in recognition of their long-standing service to the state and special presidential awards to 40 individuals who achieved high academic distinctions.
The Republic Day ceremony celebrated the achievements of distinguished Maldivians and President Muizzu's commitment to a government driven by public service, national pride, and a long-term vision for the Maldives’ future.
