Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has stated unity was what enabled the Maldives to overcome the tragedy of the 2004 Tsunami.
The minister made the remarks at an event hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the occasion of National Unity Day. The event was attended by Members of the Parliament, resident Diplomatic Corps, and the staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Speaking at the event, Minister Shahid highlighted the importance of unity and solidarity in the face of adversity and to overcome challenges. The minister said when the Tsunami struck the Maldives 16 years ago, the country saw damage like it had never seen before, but also saw an unprecedented display of friendship and unity. He remarked it was that unity that enabled the entire country to overcome that tragedy. He also added it was multilateral unity that allowed the country to overcome the damages.
Speaking further, Minister Shahid noted as the Maldives remembers one of the worst disasters it had ever faced, the country is currently living through another. The minister said the COVID-19 pandemic has surfaced the stark vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States such as the Maldives, adding this pandemic has once again reminded that multilateral cooperation and collective action is the most effective way to overcome global challenges. He noted disasters know no borders, and therefore international cooperation is absolutely crucial in such circumstances.
During the event, a moment of prayer was observed in the memory of the loved ones lost 16 years ago to the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami and in gratitude to Almighty Allah for blessing Maldivians with the strength and patience to overcome the tragedies of that day.