The unwavering bond and indomitable will of the people and the government to uphold the nation’s independence and sovereignty were the critical factors in the nation’s triumph over foreign aggression on 3 November 1988, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said on Friday. In his Victory Day 2023 address, the President emphasised the pivotal role of unity and sacrifice in securing this victory.

In his address, President Solih honoured the brave individuals who staunchly defended the nation’s independence, highlighting the profound importance of the occasion. He attributed the successful resistance against the adversaries on that pivotal day to the collective efforts of the citizenry and the government, driven by their unwavering commitment to safeguard their freedom, religion, and nation.

The President stressed the importance of prioritising national interests over individual ones and urged citizens to refrain from actions that could undermine the nation’s independence and sovereignty. He called for cultivating a spirit of national pride in the younger generation and emphasised the importance of instilling the resolve to protect the nation’s independence and sovereignty.

He noted that the commemoration of Victory Day reminds us of the collective efforts required to safeguard the nation’s independence and sovereignty. He attributed the successful repulsion of the armed assault on 3 November 1988 to the unity and sacrifice of the Maldivian people and the then government.

In his address, President Solih also reflected on the challenges faced by the global Muslim community, particularly the Palestinians living under Zionist occupation for over seven decades. He expressed deep concern over the unprecedented and inhumane conditions endured by the Palestinians, stating that in a world where democracy and human rights are championed, no other citizens are more deprived of justice than the Palestinians.