President Abdulla Yameen has called on the people "to abide by the law, respect each other and put forth patriotism".
In his address to the nation, on the occasion of this year's National Day on Sunday, the President stated that this is the day "to bring out the national spirit in people, and that it was a day for the people to have great aspirations and hopes for the future of the nation".
"The conquest of our national hero Bodu Thakurufaanu had with foreign invaders, for the protection and defence of our nationality and religion, laid the foundation of nationality in the county," highlighted the President, adding that National Day "defines the love and admiration Maldivians have towards our beloved country".
President Yameen further noted that his ambition today was "to ensure the development projects continue into the future, and continue to be most beneficial for the people," and for the days "of distress and grief of our past do not recur".
The Maldives marks its National Day on the 1st of Rabi al-Awwal, celebrating the victory of Muhammad Thakurufaanu over the Portuguese occupation in 1573 AD.
