President Abdullah Yameen Abdul Qayyoom has stated that the Maldives has been a proud and independent nation for 2,300 year since its formation over 2,500 years ago.
He made statement speaking in the ceremony to hoist the flag on the 50th independence day of the nation. The ceremony was held in Republic Square.
President Yameen said that Maldives had only been under foreign rule twice, citing the 15 years under Portuguese rule and three months under the rule of the Malabars.
He reminded all of the grave responsibility on all the citizens to maintain the independence, citing that this was a national responsibility that fell on all citizens. He added that the youth of the nation has to be clear on the importance on national independence in the same manner as that of individual independence.
President Yameen noted that it was vital that the youth be aware of the conditions under which Maldives lost their independence. He also noted the work carried out by individuals to ensure that the nation remained independent and said that we have to be eternally thankful to those people. He also called on all not to act in any way that would endanger the sovereignty of the nation.
He thanked and congratulated former President Late Ibrahim Nasir for working to gain independence and to former President Maumoon Abdul Qayyoom to ensure that the nation remained independent in his 30 year rule.
Maldives has a proud history of independence for 2,300 years: President
