President of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (PGA) Abdulla Shahid has stated Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam is the source of the country's success. He made the statement while speaking at the ceremony held to celebrate the National Day of the Maldives.
Speaking at the event, PGA Shahid said the current success of the Maldives in the international community is the result of the sacrifices made by Muhammad Thakurufaanu and his companions to liberate the country from Portuguese occupation. Shahid, who is also the minister of foreign affairs, said it was a notable achievement for a Maldivian to be elected as the president of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
He noted the challenges faced during the efforts of the Maldives to become a member of the United Nations after gaining independence from British rule in 1965 since the country had a small population and lacked resources. Shahid also highlighted that President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih gave his address at the UNGA on September 21, which was exactly 56 years after the Maldives became a member. It was a momentous occasion for all citizens, as a Maldivian was also presiding over the assembly, he said.
Furthermore, Shahid said Maldivians have many lessons to learn from the country's historical figures, who exhibited the truest values of Islam, fellowship, and unity. Shahid said those who advocate for isolationism are undermining the sacrifices made by Muhammad Thakurufaanu and are working to make the country weaker.
He concluded his remarks by saying the Maldives is built on multilateralism and working with other nations.