The South Asian region will only have peace and stability if Maldives is an independent country with its own sovereignty, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has said.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Maldives Armed Forces Air Force, with the introduction of the use of unmanned aerial vehicles brought from Turkey, the President said that Maldivians should not worry about security.
The President further said that the Maldivian Government will maintain good relations with all countries. He said Maldives is not hostile to any country and it is important for Maldives to stand on its own feet and protect its sovereignty.
"We will have close relations with all countries. We are not enemies of any country. What is important to us is to ensure that this proud country stands on its own feet and remains in its own power," he said.
Economically, militarily, and otherwise, the region cannot be at peace unless Maldives is an independent, self-reliant country.
The President further said that for a region to achieve stability and development, all countries in the region must be stable and self-reliant developing countries.
He further said that he does not think that there should be differences of opinion within Maldives on ensuring Maldives’ sovereignty. He urged everyone to say the same thing on the subject, as every citizen is a Maldivian.
He added that they should accept that matters such as medical evacuation and maintaining their own waters are the responsibility of the nation, and that they will seek the assistance of other countries in matters that require the assistance of others.