On the occassion of the 129th anniversary of the Maldives National Defense Force, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that every day in the Maldives' defense force begins and ends with national service.

President Solih made the remarks in a tweet posted on Wednesday morning to commemorate the 129th anniversary of the Maldives National Defense Forces (MNDF). The President extended best wishes on the occasion to the Minister of Defense and the Cihef of Defense Force. along with other officers serving at MNDF.

A special flag-hoisting ceremony was held to mark MNDF's 129th anniversary at 6am on Wednesday morning at all the MNDF Area Command's across the Maldives. Held inside Kalhuthukkalaa Koshi, the ceremony hosted in the capital was attended by Minister of Defense Mariya Ahmed Didi, who announced the core motto for the MNDF for the following year at the event as "Competent officers – Peace for the nation".

In a video message shared during the ceremony, Chief of Defence Force Major General Abdullah Shamaal stated that the past year had been very successful for MNDF in terms of duty and service, noting that the MNDF had been active in preserving the Maldives' freedom and the health and safety of its citizens from different dangers.

Major General Abdulla Shamaal added that MNDF had been working to improve the competency of its officers despite the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic, and that the past year had seen many achievements recorded for those serving in the force.