The Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) is playing a “monumental” role in the national response against the global Covid-19 pandemic, says President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

The president’s remarks were made during a function at the MNDF headquarters, Kalhuthuhkalaa Koshi on Sunday evening.

Shedding light on how far the island nation has reached in its response efforts, the president touched on the role played by the MNDF officers, describing it to be “pivotal” in every progress and achievement the country has made is the response efforts.

Solih described MNDF as a “shield that protects the people” from harm and added that the public acknowledges the services and sacrifice from deep within their hearts.

MNDF’s engagement with the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) has been extraordinary especially in the work to build the medical facility in Hulhumalé, within such a short period of time, said the president.

Further, Solih highlighted that the officers’ dedication has been a “testament to their commitment to national service”.

As the national response to the global pandemic continues, the president highlighted that MNDF officers remain steadfast and committed to serve the country and its people.

During the function, Solih expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Minister of Defense and National Security, Mariya Ahmed Did, the ministry’s staff and officers of every rank within MNDF for their “discipline, solidarity, resolve, order, courage” as well as their love for the nation.

The president highlighted that the government will keep in mind to ensure the mental and physical well-being of MNDF officers when further developing the institutional and technical capacity of the country's armed forces, as MNDF continues to be a "pedestal" in the road to national development.