Defence Minister Hassan Rasheed has called on Maldivians to prioritise national interests and work towards strengthening the country’s independence and self-reliance, rather than remaining under the influence of any foreign power.
Speaking at the Victory Day ceremony held at Republic Square, Minister Hassan said the Maldives is the most independent nation in the region, adding that its proud history of independence is rooted in the unity of Maldivians under the guidance of Islam.
He said Victory Day serves as a reminder of the exemplary sacrifices made by previous generations, emphasising the importance of placing national interests above personal ambitions.
“Instead of prioritising personal interests, we must put the interests of our religion and country first. We must defend our nation ourselves. Rather than remaining under the influence of any power, we must work towards standing on our own feet,” Hassan said.
The Minister also highlighted that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s defence policy focuses on safeguarding the Maldives’ independence and sovereignty by strengthening the country’s ability to defend itself without relying on foreign powers.
He said efforts to enhance the capabilities of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) are being carried out in line with this policy.
These efforts include training military personnel for operations across land, sea and air, as well as working to acquire modern equipment and resources to strengthen the military’s operational capabilities.
Minister Hassan further urged the younger generation to draw lessons from the courage and sacrifices of the military personnel who fought against the attempted coup on 3 November 1988.
He said their example should continue to inspire future generations and stressed the importance of preserving the memory of those who defended the nation.
