President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has urged Maldivian communities to instill the highest behavioral values and attributes for the future generations.

Taking the podium at the National Day celebrations held at the Republic Square on Tuesday night, President Solih stressed on the importance of imparting the highest behavioral values and attributes in children across the nation and urged parents to instill nationalistic values in their children.

Going on to shed light on the significance of encouraging a perspective favoring independence, the president pledged to rejuvenate the spirit of nationalism.

He also noted that his biggest priority and national duty currently is to safeguard the interests of the nation.

Shedding light on the elements of independence for Maldives, the president noted that defending freedom, maintaining safety and security while reinforcing Islamic values, protecting human rights, and supporting democratic ideals are all features attributing to independence.

Speaking highly of the ventures of Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam who delivered the Maldives from the occupation of the Portuguese, Solih shed light on the sacrifices made by Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam and his companions towards the independence of the nation.

In this regard, the Maldivian president highlighted that the National Day is an occasion during which individualism and unity among Maldivians, are best instilled.

He also urged communities nationwide to uphold the principles of freedom embedded in the hearts of Maldivian by their ancestors and pushed the citizens to protect these virtues.

Highlighting that long-serving government employees and those who have dedicated their lives to public service have not been appreciated on a national level, the president announced the government’s decision to honor long-serving public sector employees on a national level on an annual basis during the Republic Day celebrations, from 2021 onwards.

The National Day reception was joined by First Lady Fazna Ahmed, President of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (PGA) and Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid, senior government officials, parliamentarians and senior officials of state institutions.