Officers of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) should put forward the country’s welfare and uphold the rule of law, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has advised.

President Solih said this while speaking at an oath taking ceremony for recruits who completed their training programs on Tuesday night.

Solih said that he as president would never ask officers to ‘become traitors’ to these ideals, and that the purpose of the Maldivian military is to secure peace and harmony, not just ‘fight and win’.

President Solih expressed gratitude to the MNDF for their continued and active involvement in providing relief during times of crisis and natural disaster.

Solih said that his government would be ‘seeking training opportunities’ with other countries to ensure the development of the military and individual officers.

Tuesday's event was attended by Defence Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi and senior officers of the MNDF.