Preservation of culture and heritage important to economy: President

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that the preservation of Maldivian culture and heritage is highly important to the economy

President Solih made the statement while speaking at the ceremony held on Saturday night on the occasion of the 100 year anniversary of Mulee'aage.

In addition to President Solih, Vice President Faisal Naseem, former President and Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed and former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom were also in attendance at the ceremony.

President Solih's speech touched on the key role of culture and heritage in attracting tourism to the country, and in turn, economic gains.

He noted that the modern traveler prefers to visit countries with rich cultural and historical backgrounds, thereby, signaling the importance of the preservation of cultural and historical sites in attracting tourism to the country.

He went on to note his administration's commitment to the protection of historical sites evident by the constitution of the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Heritage. Likewise, he highlighted the passing of the Heritage Act, guaranteeing documentation, preservation, and protection of cultural heritage.

Moreover, he emphasized the historical importance of Mulee'aage, highlighting its role as the Presidential Palace, President's Office, Prime Minister's Office, House of Parliament, Supreme Court, Foreign Ministry, and Home Ministry among many others, including the numerous forefathers who had called Mulee'aage home.

The event concluded with the presentation of a special plaque officially declaring Mulee'aage as a hundred-year-old heritage site.

President Solih also conferred plaques to the long-term employees of Mulee'aage in recognition of their unfaltering duty and service.