Minister for Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid described the prevailing situation of the global Covid-19 pandemic as a "sweeping tsunami" devastating the world.
He said this during a ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday morning, to commemorate National Unity Da.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Shahid went on to say that the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami was truly the pinnacle for national unity in the Maldives, alluding to the way Maldivians came together in a time of such overwhelming tragedy to rise above.
I had the opportunity to witness first-hand the loss caused to Maldives by those waves. It was as if we had gone to war; I saw our homes, our buildings and our islands leveled to the ground."Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid
The Minister also shed light on the tsunami relief campaign executed within the country, and noted the unwavering unity and patriotism of Maldivians as the core foundations of those efforts, and the secret to their success. He went on to portray the Covid-19 crisis as another such tsunami sweeping the world, noting the difference being that we could not see this wave with the naked eye.
The tsunami in front of us right now takes the shape of little viruses that are endangering our communities. It's threatening the whole world."Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid
He also voiced a deep feeling a deep pride at the exemplar unity and fortitude shown by the Maldivian people, saluting with special note the sacrifices of our essential workers, healthcare professionals and military personnel, describing their efforts to safeguard and protect our communities as equivalent to jihad.
While concluding his address, Minister Shahid expressed gratitude to our allies overseas for their assistance, emphasizing that the Maldives wholeheartedly welcomes any and all assistance from the international community during these difficult times.
