President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has called upon the people to strive forward with the same spirit of friendship and unity displayed during the 2004 tsunami disaster when tackling common national interest issues. The President made the statement at the special ceremony held at the Republic Square to present the National Awards and to commemorate National Unity Day.
Reminiscing the memories of the tsunami disaster, President Solih said Maldivians displayed exemplary kindred, unification, and fraternal ties despite the incident's trying aftermath. On this note, the President stated that climate change poses a similar and imminent threat to the existence, and called for the public's engagement and support towards the government's efforts to combat climate change. On the government's target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030, the President pressed for the private sector's collaboration and assistance and the support of non-governmental organisations, and civil societies in this endeavour.
Stressing on the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, President Solih stated that worldwide travel disruptions had left the country's economy in a dire situation. However, he emphasised that, with the government's timely intervention which allowed for the reopening of the borders, the Maldives is once again gaining traction the world over as one of the most favoured travel destinations. He assured the public that the government would be successful in securing enough COVID-19 vaccines to cater to the entire population.
President Solih was accompanied at the ceremony by First Lady Fazna Ahmed, Vice President Faisal Naseem, cabinet ministers, state and foreign dignitaries, and officials of government offices and institutions. A moment of silence was observed at the ceremony to remember the lives lost in the 2004 tsunami disaster.