The support the government and people of Maldives has for the independence of Palestine, will never falter, says President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

The president made these remarks in his address to the public in commemoration of Republic Day, on Saturday morning.

The archipelago nation became a republic in 1968, after many years as a monarchy and celebrates its Republic Day on November 11 each year.

As such, during his address, the president emphasized on the atrocities committed by Israel against the Palestinian people. He stressed that the hearts of Maldivian citizens are weighed down by Israel’s inhumane slaughter of Palestinian people.

He reaffirmed that the government and people of Maldives stand in firm solidarity for the independence of Palestine.

Israel declared war on Palestine after Hamas launched a mass military operation into the territory of Israel on October 7 in response to Israeli violation of the Al Aqsa Mosque. Attacks on Palestinians by Israeli settlers have since spiked, with no intention of a ceasefire.

In his address President Solih also shed light on the administration’s progress in foreign relations.

The president stated that the external ties Maldives has with the international community strengthened the most during the last five years.

As such, 101 countries now allow Maldivians to travel without a visa and that the nation's diplomatic and political ties have increased to 185 nations, according to the president.

He added that Maldives had a successful presidency during the 76th UN General Assembly.

Further shedding light on the work done on climate change and the environment during this term, the Maldivian leader stated that the threats facing the environment of Maldives due to global climate change are undeniable and that the Maldives has become a country that plays a vital role in making decisions at the forefront of the world's environmental issues.