Unlike the rhetoric’s voiced by few unpatriotic people,
Maldives will never be a safe haven for terrorism- Defence Minister

Minister of Defence and National Security Mohamed Nazim has said that Maldives has never been and will never be a safe haven for terrorism unlike the rhetoric’s that is voiced by few unpatriotic Maldivians.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Trilateral Exercise “Dosti-11” held at Traders Hotel, he assured the international community that Maldives will neither harbor nor tolerate extremists and terrorists. The Minister expressed that our nation has enjoyed peace and tranquility and social harmony from time immemorial and assured that it will remain the same during his tenure.

“let me assure my esteemed colleagues and the international community that unlike the rhetoric’s that is voiced by few unpatriotic Maldivians, we have never been and will never be a safe haven for terrorism. We will neither harbor nor tolerate extremists and terrorists in the Maldives. Our people have enjoyed peace and tranquility and social harmony from time immemorial and I have every reason to ensure that it stays that way during my watch,” he said.

He also said that MNDF Coast Guard must always be primed to shoulder its responsibility to the international sea faring community, by making the Sea Lines of Communications safe and secure. He highlighted that a country like Maldives whose economy depends largely on selling dreams of tranquility, even a small incident in the Maldivian territory could have devastating effects and implications. He also stressed on the importance of forging relationships to address the maritime security issues and act collaboratively in finding a lasting solution.

The Minister expressed that having India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka first time together in this year’s Dosti exercise would further strengthen the existing brotherly relations between the three countries. Speaking on the initial participation of Sri Lanka, he said that Sri Lanka’s tremendous experience and expertise in combating maritime terrorism and safeguarding the sea will make the exercise even more fruitful than before. Concluding the speech, he said that this year’s Dosti exercise will be an opportunity to further strengthen the bridges of friendship between India, Sri Lanka and Maldives.

It has been 20 years since the beginning the Exercise “Dosti” in 1991. This year’s Dosti will be conducted from 24th to 27th of this month and will focus on Maritime Search and Rescue, Marine Pollution Response and Boarding Operations.

Some Cabinet Ministers, High Commissioners, Chief of Defence Force Major General Ahmed Shiyam, Vice Chief of Defence Force Brigadier General Ahmed Mohamed, Indian Coast Guard Director General Vice Admiral MP Muralidharan, Sri Lankan Coast Guard Director General Rear Admiral Ruwan Dias, Commandant MNDF Coast Guard, Brigadier General Ahmed Shahid, Senior Officers and Exercise participants participated in this ceremony.