Mariya’s advice to military: Be trained and prepared for any scenario

Defense Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi has advised soldiers to remain prepared and trained for any situation that may arise.

In an address on the occasion of the 131st anniversary of Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) – Defense Minister Mariya expressed gratitude to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih for efforts undertaken for the development and the future of the armed forces. She also thanked him for his advice and instructions in ensuring the highest standard of professionalism is upheld by soldiers.

Reminding soldiers of their greatest responsibility – Minister Mariya detailed that the present law dictated the greatest responsibility of the armed forces as the protection of the Maldivian republic, its territories, and the exclusive economic zone as well as to ensuring the safety of its citizens.

“On this opportunity, I also wish to remind the grounds which the military’s code of ethics is built upon. The code of ethics mandates upholding the Islamic religion and faith. To prioritize the nation before one’s self and to assist in the enforcement of a lawful government,” she said.

Minister Mariya said that Maldives, in recent history, has not witnessed a stable and peaceful period as experienced in the past four years and five months since the introduction of a multiparty democratic system and the inception of democratic governance in 2008.

Attributing the government’s biggest success in the past four years to the establishment of stability and peace across the country – Minister Mariya said that Maldives is presently witnessing never-before-seen serenity in terms of development in different areas including that of armed forces.

“From small children to adults are experiencing the fruitful results of the comprehensive policies deployed by the president in the pursuit of development which does not discriminate between a small or a large island; much less, any person. One such result of the non-discrimination policy I note with happiness is the expansion of the activities of the armed force to small and big islands as of present to include parades and various programs,” she detailed.

Efforts are underway to establish centers of the armed forces across different regions, she said. 

A special flag hoisting ceremony was held at 6:00am on Friday morning at Kalhuthukkalaa Koshi to mark the MNDF's anniversary. The ceremony was officiated by Defense Minister Mariya. 

The first known armed force in the Maldives was incepted on April 21, 1892.