President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, on Sunday, shared high praise for the work of Maldives Police Service (MPS) and Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF).

Speaking at an official ceremony held at Kalhuthukkalaa Koshi (KK), President Solih described the armed forces as the first line of defence against every crisis faced by the Maldivian people and the state.

The president called MNDF's service in the ongoing COVID-19 response "invaluable", assuring that the country did acknowledge the selfless service provided by its military, at great risk to the officers' own person.

During the ceremony, which was attended by Minister of Defence Mariya Ahmed Didi, President Solih praised her leadership abilities.

" She proved her strong leadership throughout the COVID-19 response, as the Chairperson of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) I created, overseeing the many institutions it consists of", he said.

Describing the military as the nation's "pillar of defence", President Solih declared that his administration continues to give great importance to heighten the ability of the armed forces and revealed that work to improve the welfare of military personnel, was underway.

"I do not doubt that soldiers will serve Maldives even more admirably, once that too is accomplished".

Prior to meeting MNDF personnel, President Solih visited Iskandharu Koshi on Sunday evening to address Police officers as well.

Speaking at the ceremony, attended by the Minister of Home Affairs Imran Abdulla, Commissioner of Police (CP) Mohamed Hameed and various officers, President Solih reiterated on the importance of justice and the crucial role of police officers play in ensuring it.

"The people demand justice from the state. From the very beginning stages, that is tied to the service of police", said the President.

"Completing the investigations on submitted cases and expediting the process is one of the most important tasks [of Maldives Police Service]".

Noting the uptick in cases of sexual offences, particularly that of child abuse, President Solih requested that officers pay further attention in investigating such cases, thereby expediting the trial and ensuring swift justice for such incidents.

He also noted that difficult challenges remained ahead in the fight against COVID-19, adding that the economic repercussions caused due to the virus were now bringing various social issues to the surface.

Given that, as a law enforcement body, Maldives Police Service is the institution that works most closely with the public, President Solih highlighted the vital duty of security forces in solving the aforementioned issues.

"[I] believe that there are some changes to be brought to the law in order to achieve that goal."

"Moreover, police and other institutions that implement the law should be given proper education, training and equipment. Importance must be given to improving the welfare of officers", President Solih said.

This is the first time that the President has officially addressed the personnel of Maldives Police Service and Maldives National Defence Force, since Maldives recorded its first outbreak of the novel coronavirus.

At present date, the country records a total of 2,468 confirmed and 403 active cases of COVID-19. Thus far, the country records 2,049 recoveries and 12 deaths.

https://edition.mv/news/17699