Gov's highest priority is protecting the country's independence and sovereignty: pres.

The government’s places the highest priority to maintain the independence and sovereignty of the Maldives, says President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

Speaking at the inaugural session of Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF)’s Commanders Conference 2020 at the MNDF headquarters on Monday morning, the president shed light on a number of challenges and threats being faced due to the ever-changing state of international security.

Giving the people assurance that he will ensure that security forces are well-equipped and trained with the necessary skills under his governance, Solih stated that pertinent resources like vessels and other necessities will be provided during his presidency.

Further, the president went on to urge participants to make the best use out of the ideologies and information acquired through the three-day conference by enhancing their capacity and improving expertise to combat threats to national security. This must be done while keeping in mind that urgent internal and global security issues must be prioritized, he added.

Solih went on to touch on the value shown by security forces by revolving their operations in line with the government’s vision for decentralized governance.

In addition, the president noted that security forces have a patriotic duty to ensure the “complete” safety and security of the people.

Highlighting the importance of refresher programmes and constant training for officers to boost their necessary skills, Solih stated that such conferences have been proven significant seeing that officers from different regional command centers across the country participate.

The conference is carried out under military professionalism and aims to develop leaders and MNDF commanders through enhanced compatibility, flexibility and determination under a richer philosophy.