President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has extended National Day greetings to the nation.

The president via twitter expressed his most sincere and deepest well wishes to the beloved citizens of Maldives on the occasion of National Day.

He also added that such national occasions are a reminder of the importance of continuing on the path of friendship and unity.

While speaking a special ceremony held last night to celebrate National Day, the president stated that the most important principle of nationalism is the freedom of speech to express personal opinions on politics, the economy, and international and domestic affairs.

Nevertheless, Solih gave his assurance that the government will not tolerate or pave way for mockery of Islam and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in any way, and neither will the government allow violent extremism to fester among the people, in the name of religion.

National day (Gaumee Dhuvas) is observed annually on the 1st of Rabee ul Awwal (which falls on October 29 this year) to celebrate the victory of Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam over the Portuguese occupation in the year 1573.